Theater Review: 'Sleeping Beauty' at Downtown Cabaret

Review by Nancy Sasso Janis

Downtown Cabaret Theatre has kicked off the final Theatre for Young Audiences production of the season. The latest timeless tale to come to life on the stage located in “the kingdom of Bridgeport” is “Sleeping Beauty.”

Press materials explain that “this isn’t just a fairytale—it’s an action-packed, spell-binding, love story and a magical rescue mission all rolled into one. From epic surprises to a dragon you have to see to believe—this is our biggest TYA show yet, and it’s truly got something for everyone in the family.”

As written by Ashley Jurman, the show’s producer and choreographer, this is a very fresh take on the tale of the beautiful princess who is cursed into slumber, awaiting a true love to awaken her. The brave, young prince takes on the challenge to rescue the princess Rachel from the clutches of the evil Belladonna, with the help of a team of colorful fairies and his trusty steed, “Cupcake.”

The troupe always puts a fun and modern twist on the classic stories that they produce, with just the right amount of pop music, some surprises and pop culture references that will make adults smile. There are songs that all ages will love, clever jokes that are appropriate for everyone and just a bit of stage magic. “Sleeping Beauty” is perhaps the most tech-heavy show of the season.

Kelsey Senteio, who played Sally Bowles in “Cabaret” on this stage, is a lovely Princess Rachel in her Young Audience debut. The actress has a great singing voice and a charming stage presence as the sporty and grounded young woman. Ron St. John III, who only recently moved to Connecticut, gives a delightful performance as Prince Max in his first TYA show.

Emily Pisarra, marking a second season with TYA, grabs onto the role of the evil Belladonna in a dark, long-sleeved gown with spider-web touches.

The fairy godparents are brought to life by three strong performers. Director Ashley DePascale, in her 16th year on the Cabaret stage, is the beautiful Juniper in pink. Karen Hanley is Violet, the sister of the evil Belladonna. Jojo Devellis (“We Will Rock You,” “Guys and Dolls") is a riot as Periwinkle, dressed in light blue and a matching wig.

The show’s adapter takes on the supporting role of Groc, a body-building rock creature that is the henchman of the evil queen, as well as the princess’ father King Julian. Ensemble member Caroline Anne DiGiullo makes their debut as the company swing, and Justin Chapman is also in the ensemble.

It is always fun to listen for the pop culture references. Glinda’s line from “Wicked” “It’s good to see me. Isn’t it?” is delivered by the evil witch and elicited a loud “No!” from one young patron at the opening performance. Some of the pop music woven into the story is familiar to the youngest ears in the audience, but much of it is from the generations of their grandparents.

Jurman’s choreography adds plenty of joy to the celebratory scenes and athleticism to one scene with Groc. Music director Aron Smith keeps the pop songs moving well. The four columns of the scenery designed by David Kievit help to suggest the festival scenes, the woods and a cottage therein, and Belladonna’s spooky lair, complete with a dungeon. It is enhanced by multimedia designer Sasha Michaman. Sound Designer Holly Rybnick is chock full of effects that must be delivered with pin-point accuracy. Costumes designed by Christina Beam are perfectly hued and feature some wonderful wigs.

The Theatre for Young Audiences shows are recommended for ages 3 to 10, but all ages are welcome. There are light-up wands and stuffed unicorns for sale in the lobby.

“Sweet Dreams” are made of this fun production, and “Wake Me Up Before You Go-go” so everyone can experience it together. The show is presented in two acts, and even with the intermission fits easily into 90 minutes. Performances at the theater located at 263 Golden Hill Street in Bridgeport, continue through May 18. Tickets are available at dtcab.com

Next season, Young Audiences will offer the whodunnit “Dracula’s Haunted Cabaret,” “Santa Story 3 Reindeer Games,” “Little Red and the Three Pigs, A Fairytale Mashup” “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and “Princes and the Frog.” The mainstage season will begin in June with “Decades in Concert 80’s,” followed by “Jesus Christ Superstar” (Sept. 12 - Oct. 5,) “Rocky Horror Picture Show” for Halloween and a show celebrating its 50th anniversary to be announced for June 2026.

Photos by Rich Pettibone