'Bringing Back Broadway Cabaret' Presented by City Youth Theater

Naugatuck CT

09 September, 2021

12:26 PM

Description

WATERBURY - City Youth Theater (CYT) is bringing Broadway to Waterbury this weekend to celebrate the reopening of live entertainment with the "Bringing Back Broadway Cabaret." Shelby Davis, the founder of the organization, will be the host of the evening of song and entertainment. The in-person evening will feature local youth, young adults and adults from all walks of life that have donated their time and talent to bringing this cabaret to life. Included in the cast are Khamel Redding-Hall, Sasha Renae Brown, Brittany Fitzpatrick, João Farias, and more, as well as guest surprises. Dan and Loretta Fedrick make their directorial debuts and should be proud of their efforts. Music from many Broadway musicals will be performed by the talented vocalists. I was invited to attend the final rehearsal of the cabaret before the stars take to the stage at the First Congregational Church in Waterbury this weekend and I was very impressed with the quality of the performances. Although I didn't get to see all of the numbers listed in the virtual program, I did enjoy many of those scheduled for the second act. What a joy to hear Connecticut native and WCSU graduate Sasha Brown with her powerhouse voice, especially my favorite "Defying Gravity" from WICKED. I also loved her duet with Brittany Fitzpatrick on "For Good." Omar Walters (MEMPHIS at Connecticut Theatre Company) used his wonderful singing voice to perform "Proud of Your Boy" from ALADDIN and a number from THE WIZ. Community theater veteran and fifth grade teacher João Farias reprised "Inutil" from IN THE HEIGHTS and the classic "Bring Him Home" from LES MIZ. The amazing soprano voice of Melissa Labbe shines on three numbers. Thomas Bishop, who appeared on the Kennedy High School stage, made his mark with "I Cover You (Reprise)" with two strong back up singers. Abby Pearson chose to perform "Queen of the Castle" from the new show "Six." Other young performers include WAMS students Maggie Harber, Quinn Soulliere and Jayden Greenlaw, fifteen-year-old Mikayla Labbe, City Hill Middle School student Delilah Lombardo, Khamel Redding-Hall of New Britain, Ariel Pierre, Jake Liquindoli, Grace Labbe, Ahmad Tate, and Robert Williams. William Hively is the talented musical director and helps all of the singers sound their best. This cast has clearly worked hard with their MD to prepare for this performance. Bringing the joy of live theater to inner city youth is what City Youth Theater is all about. This evening of "joy and renewal" is designed to blow off the cobwebs of this past year. Performances of "Bringing Back Broadway Cabaret" are Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 222 West Main St. in Waterbury. Seating is cabaret style. For tickets visit www.showtix4u.com/event-detail...