Valley Rep Cabaret Show Slated For This Weekend

Written by Lisa Eaton

Rehearsals are in full swing for Valley Repertory Company’s second annual Cabaret show, "From Stage to Screen." The show will once again be a fundraiser, this time benefitting the Fermi Lamplighters. 

Lisa Eaton, the Artistic Director for Valley Rep and co-producer for the Cabaret, said, “The Lamplighters have always been a great support to us over the years. The kids help us with mailers, set builds and always come as our dress rehearsal audience. They are a great group of kids who work very hard, so it feels good that we get to give something back to them.”

Lamplighters Jacob Pizzuto, Caity White and Rebecca Rinas, who are returning from last year’s Cabaret, are very excited that there are more group and ensemble numbers this year.  

Jacob noted that it is “much more of a community feeling." Caity said, “It has a lot more of a professional feel.” Rebecca agreed, adding, “It’s made me personally feel closer to my castmates, and I think it helps with the cohesion of the show. We are performing several times as a whole cast and I like that.” 

Co-producer Anna Neild was one of the initial planners of the event.  She stated that when she and Heather Maloney first put the proposal together, “We had wanted this to be very polished and professional, and I’m happy that everybody seems to be embracing that”. 

Phaedra Beckwith, who has taken on the role of Musical Director, said, “I jumped at the opportunity to be Musical Director. I really enjoy working with singers and coaching them...it’s a challenge, especially given the range of experience, but it’s incredibly fulfilling to see their final performance and feel like I had a hand in making that happen.”  

As far as her performing, Beckwith said, “We have a great format this year that includes not only solos but several duets, trios and small groups. As a performer, it really gives me the opportunity to explore my range.”

Stage Director Heather Maloney said, “This year we are working with a theme, where last year we did not. The theme is “From Stage to Screen” so it should be very exciting to explore both movies and musicals. Also, the audience will see a lot more dancing and they are in for a few surprises! We are definitely going to be keeping them on their toes!"

Maloney said she wanted to be part of the directing team because of the challenge.  

“I have never done anything like this and, when the opportunity presented itself, I just had to go for it," she said. "It has been an awesome experience getting to work with the talented Spencer Reese and Phaedra Beckwith!”

Reese, whose original opera “Always Hope” was the recipient of the fundraiser for the first Cabaret show, has joined this year’s show as Director/Choreographer.  

“One of the biggest differences this year is our theme, "From Stage to Screen"," he said. "It has definitely guided our program choices and will enhance the overall atmosphere of the evening.”  

Having more group numbers as opposed to just solos is one of the things Reese is most excited about.  

“It’s a really great opportunity for our singers to collaborate," he said. "We can also highlight some of the more iconic numbers from movie musicals as we work with company numbers and choreography. I had so much fun working with everyone last year, so I really wanted to be a part of it again this summer. I also was very excited to have the opportunity to be one of the stage directors this year. I’ll be going to graduate school next year for directing, and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to direct with the company I’ve called home for so many years.”

Liz Hoffman, new to the Valley Rep stage, was encouraged to audition by her friend, Beckwith, “I really was excited at the prospect of doing a Cabaret show," she said. "I enjoy the duets and small groups, mixing it up.”

Bianca Slota, who has appeared on the Valley Rep stage in the first Improv show but a newcomer to the Cabaret, was interested in the show because she had never been a part of something like it. When asked how the group has been to work with she replied “In a word, fantastic. I feel like we all really support each other, and we have a ton of fun collaborating on our group numbers. I think one of the best parts is getting to hear everyone’s unique styles and interpretations of these well-known songs”.

Lisa Eaton and Sue Reese will once again be co-hosting the Cabaret show. The cast and crew are rounded out by Amanda Feliciano, Tanya Ochs, Annalease Peterson, Emily Miclon, Jason Fregeau and Gavin Fregeau.  

Show dates are Thursday through Saturday, July 18-20, at 8 p.m. at 100 High St., Enfield. Tickets are on sale now bycalling the ticket line at 860-810-6152. or by going to www.valleyrep.com.  Tickets are $8 prepaid and $10 at the door.