Review: GOLDILOCKS at Downtown Cabaret Children's Theatre

On Sunday, March 4, I had the pleasure of seeing an amazing show at the Downtown Cabaret Children's Theatre in Bridgeport, CT. Phill Hill's comedic musical adaptation of GOLDILOCKS is just right for the entire family! Directed by Christy McIntosh-Newsom, five cast members who I have always enjoyed in other productions have combined their talents to perform a stellar show that truly showcases all five cast members at their best.

The set is in the house of the three bears. Lighting effects and sound effects enhance the show throughout. As characteristic with the Downtown Cabaret Children's Theatre, the fourth wall is often broken before an audience of enthusiastic children who are very willing to help the characters out. As wonderful as it is to hear children in the audience laughing, there was also a high amount of laughter from the adults in this audience, due to the universal appeal of the humor.

The story begins with Andrea Pane on stage as the Narrator, using a proper British accent that is both believable and articulate. He has a giant book, as if he is going to merely read a story to the children, which alone would have entertained many, in the way he was delivering the narration.

Cassie Carroll, as Goldilocks, enters from the audience, breaking the fourth wall, trying to peddle Girl Scout Cookies, deliberately interrupting the narration, to the Narrator's chagrin. Under Goldilocks' influence, the story shifts from Andrea Pane's narration into that of Goldilocks and her doll called Molly. Goldilocks sings, dances, and even does cartwheels on stage, during her first musical number, an adaptation of Tom Petty's "American Girl."

Lance Anthony plays Papa Bear with Corinne Marshall as Mama Bear, and Myles Tripp as Baby Bear. Their stage chemistry is very strong, and humor well-timed, including slapstick comedy and cultural references. Mama Bear's willingness to listen to telemarketers and consider their offers is brilliantly contrasted with Papa Bear's disgust for telemarketers, especially while he is waiting for an important phone call.

When Goldilocks comes along trying to sell cookies, her offer is immediately rejected by Papa Bear, even though Mama Bear and Baby Bear are slightly more receptive, at least of Goldilocks' presence in their house.

The innocence of children in the audience shines through during a scene in which Goldilocks has snuck into the bears' house, and Papa Bear is standing in front. Children may not have a sense of the concept of a protagonist, but they know that it is wrong to sneak into someone's house, so they were trying to reveal Goldilocks' presence to Papa Bear.

Andrea Pane makes a second appearance as Inspector Rousseau who is French, brilliant! Andrea Pane makes seamless transitions back and forth between his English character and French character, succeeding in conveying an equally convincing and articulate French accent, really showcasing his many talents in a strong manner. His entrances themselves are all comedic, as they come from multiple unexpected places.

Myles Tripp sings an adaptation of Stevie Wonder's "Superstition," while wearing sunglasses and even pulling a (fake) miniature piano out of the oven, as another highlight of the show. Baby Bear's exaggerated reactions work extremely well in this storyline.

I highly recommend GOLDILOCKS for all audiences. It is scheduled to continue to run at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre in Bridgeport, CT on Saturdays and Sundays through March 31. For tickets and times, please go to http://dtcab.com/show/goldilocks/.

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