Our History

The Downtown Cabaret Theatre is a direct descendent of the Sacred Heart University Cabaret. After several successful seasons in an academic setting, the entire company, under the artistic direction of Claude McNeal, moved to its present home in 1975.

Alexander Hawley, Samuel Hawley, Norwick Goodspeed, Mayor Nicholas Panuzio, Leete Doty, and other business and civic leaders believed that a professional theatre company in a resident home was essential to the development of the downtown area. As part of this move, the assembly room of the former YWCA was converted to a theatre, including the addition of a balcony and air conditioning.

Since the Theatre's official opening with VAUDEVILLE TROUPE on February 27, 1976, well over half a million adults and children have enjoyed musical productions in the unique "Bring Your Own Picnic" cabaret atmosphere. It is now recognized as an important regional theatre.

Drawing upon both Connecticut and New York talent, the Downtown Cabaret has proven to be a marvelous opportunity for theatre professionals to showcase their talents and it has created a perfect environment for the seasoned and up-and-coming artist.

The Downtown Cabaret Theatre is incorporated as a not-for-profit tax-exempt regional theatre that offers a year-round season of productions. As with all non-profit arts organizations, the Downtown Cabaret must rely on the support of the public and private sectors.

At the moment, this unique theatre recovers about 75% of its costs through box office revenues. This is an extraordinarily high percentage compared to other non-profit theaters.

From its inception the Cabaret's productions have been musical. Until 1980 the presentation was almost exclusively original material following revue format. Since then the Theatre has continued to produce Broadway-style book musicals as well as original works.

Richard C. Hallinan has been the Theatre's Executive Producer since 1981. His productions have included popular Broadway musicals as well as the American premiere of BLOOD BROTHERS in 1988 and a production of JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT in 1979 - before it appeared on Broadway.

The Cabaret employees number an average of 45 of which 10 are full-time staff members relying on the Theatre for their livelihood.

In 1995 the Cabaret underwent a $1.3 million renovation to the facility. Renovations included the construction of a fly house over the stage, the remodeling of the backstage bathrooms, lobby and house, as well as the installation of technical and air conditioning equipment. These renovations were funded by a $900,000 grant from the State and a capital campaign the Theatre undertook. The newly renovated theatre now holds 276 people.

The City of Bridgeport has, over the past 24 years, been a major supporter in the role of benevolent landlord. The Theatre also receives strong support from the Connecticut Commission on the Arts.



 

 


State Arts Award, 1991
Presented annually by The Connecticut Commission on the Arts for Outstanding Contribution to the Arts:
Richard C. Hallinan
Exectutive Producer
Downtown Cabaret Theatre


Tom Killen Memorial Award, 1991
Presented annually by The Connecticut Critics' Circle for Outstanding Contribution to the Arts:
Richard C. Hallinan
Exectutive Producer
Downtown Cabaret Theatre
Tom Killen Memorial Award, 1994
Presented annually by The Connecticut Critics' Circle for Outstanding Contribution to the Arts:
Richard C. Hallinan, Exectutive Producer
and
Susan Hallinan, Artistic Director
Downtown Cabaret Theatre
Tom Killen Memorial Award, 2004
Presented annually by The Connecticut Critics' Circle for Outstanding Contribution to the Arts:
Bert Bernardi
Artistic Director/Writer/Director
Downtown Cabaret Children's Company
Downtown Cabaret Theatre



Connecticut Critics' Circle Awards and Nominations

2006
Outstanding Production of a Musical, Sweet Charity
Outstanding Choreography, Scott Thompson

2005
Outstanding Director of a Musical, Julie Arenal, Hair
Outstanding Ensemble, Hair

2004
Outstanding Director of a Musical, Gary John LaRosa, LaCage Aux Folles

2003
Outstanding Choreography, Lisa & Gary McIntyre, Swing!
Outstanding Actress in a Musical, Josie DeGuzman, The King & I

2002
Outstanding Production of a Musical, Smokey Joe's Cafe
Outstanding Choreography, Jamie Rocco, Smokey Joe's Cafe
Outstanding Actress in a Musical, Lovena Fox, Jekyll & Hyde

2001
Outstanding Actress Joseph... Dreamcoat
Outstanding Lighting Design Joseph... Dreamcoat
Outstanding Director Joseph... Dreamcoat
Outstanding Production Joseph... Dreamcoat
Outstanding Choreographer Joseph... Dreamcoat
Outstanding Actress (2) Blood Brothers
Outstanding Director Blood Brothers
Outstanding Production Blood Brothers
2000
Outstanding Musical Guys & Dolls
Outstanding Director Guys & Dolls
Outstanding Actor Guys & Dolls
Outstanding Actress, Debut Award Guys & Dolls

1999
Outstanding Actor, Lucille Lortel Debut Award Damn Yankees & Phantom
Nominated for Outstanding Musical Damn Yankees & Phantom
Outstanding Actress Damn Yankees & Phantom
Outstanding Director Damn Yankees
Outstanding Director Oklahoma
Outstanding Choreography Oklahoma
Outstanding Lighting Design Oklahoma
1998
Outstanding Actress
Nominated for Outstanding Musical
Outstanding Director
Outstanding Choreography

1997
Nominated for Outstanding Technical Achievement:
Lighting Design & Set Design

1996
Outstanding Choreography
Outstanding Technical Achievement: Lighting Design
Nominated for five addtional awards

1995
Best Ensemble

1994
Outstanding Performance in a Musical, Female
Outstanding Performance in a Musical, Male
Nominated for six addtional awards

1993
Outstanding Choreography
Outstanding Direction of a Musical

1992
Outstanding Choreography