Review: RUMPELSTILTSKIN at Downtown Cabaret Children's Theatre

On Saturday, January 19, I had the pleasure of seeing RUMPELSTILTSKIN, at the Downtown Cabaret Children's Theatre in Bridgeport, CT. Lance Anthony has written this modernized comedic musical stage adaptation of the classic children's story, while usual Downtown Cabaret Children's Theatre playwright Phill Hill serves as producer and artistic director.

This story starts out very differently from the usual format, in that there are no early entrances through the crowd, or early breaking of the fourth wall. These elements come in later, though, giving the audience what we expect and enjoy at the Downtown Cabaret Children's Theatre, with a strong appeal towards both children and adults. It was great hearing the children's laughter at the comedic parts specifically geared towards them.

Ricky Altamirano is the director and choreographer. He furthermore steals the show in the role of Rumpelstiltskin, the mischievous troll who speaks only in rhymes. Ricky Altamirano's smooth shifting from the high pitched troll speaking voice to the deep singing voice, during the song "Spinning Wheel," multiple times, is definitely a highlight.

Lauren Bell shines as Gilda, the lead protagonist, appearing completely in her element in this role. She acapella sings small portions of "Proud Mary," "Wheel In The Sky," and "The Wheels on the Bus," when trying to recall the song "Spinning Wheel." She poses a question, regarding meteorologists, as to what other profession can be wrong 90% of the time and still keep their jobs. I wanted to yell out, "Supreme Court Justices," but I refrained, as I felt it was more a rhetorical question as part of a soliloquy and not an attempt to gather answers through the fourth wall.

The story revolves around how after Gilda's father claimed that Gilda can spin straw into gold, Gilda was forced to do exactly that, in order to preserve her father's life, and her life as well, after claiming she had the ability. Queen Avarice, who was brilliantly portrayed by talented actress, Corinne Marshall, would have them executed if the task could not be completed. Unfortunately, Gilda does not have that ability. Rumpelstiltskin arrives with the ability to spin straw into gold, for a price, and then another price, and finally an extreme price that may not have seemed quite as extreme, at the time, but became that way when it was time for Rumpelstiltskin to collect.

What is that price? Will Rumpelstiltskin collect on it? Will he offer Gilda a way out of the deal? If so, what will be her way out? Come to the show to find out!

RUMPELSTILTSKIN is scheduled to continue to run at the Downtown Cabaret Children's Theatre in Bridgeport, CT, through Sunday, February 10, 2019. For times and tickets, please go to https://dtcab.com/show/rumpelstiltskin/#buy-tickets.

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