Karen Gagliardi

Hey y'all!  On November 30, I had the pleasure of seeing my favorite Connecticut Cabaret Theatre show of 2019, which is my outright favorite live comedy I have seen in 2019, A GOOD OLD FASHIONED REDNECK COUNTRY CHRISTMAS!  This comedy by Kristine Bauske had this packed theatre laughing all throughout the show.  Director Kris McMurray has found a stellar cast featuring many Connecticut Cabaret Theatre favorites, and continues to bring out the best in them all.   Every actor and actress in this production does so well that it feels like they truly have become their character on stage, something particularly impressive among cast members who we have previously seen also excel in other roles, some that are very different from these roles.

On Saturday, June 29, I had the pleasure of seeing another first-rate production at the Connecticut Cabaret Theatre in Berlin, CT, CALENDAR GIRLS. Based on a true story, this comedy is written by Tim Firth. As director, Kris McMurray continues to bring out the best in this stellar cast that includes many familiar faces within Connecticut Cabaret Theatre.

Based on the true story and the 2003 movie of the same name, Calendar Girls is a hilarious yet touching production, sure to warm your heart!. When Annie's husband John dies, she and best friend Chris resolve to raise money for a new settee in the local hospital waiting room. They manage to persuade four fellow ladies social members to pose nude with them for an 'alternative' calendar, with a little help from hospital porter and amateur photographer Lawrence. The news of the women's charitable venture spreads like wildfire, and hordes of press descend on the small town. The calendar is a success, but Chris and Annie's friendship is put to the test under the strain of their new-found fame.

On Friday, November 23, 2018, I had the pleasure of seeing CLEVER LITTLE LIES, yet another first-rate show at the Connecticut Cabaret Theatre in Berlin, CT.  This play, written by Joe DiPietro contains both comedy and drama, categories that are often difficult to effectively merge, yet combine flawlessly here, due to the excellent acting of all four talented cast members who shine in their respective roles, under the strong direction of Kris McMurray.

If you think your family is dysfunctional on the holidays come visit ours. A mother always knows when something is wrong. When Alice (Karen Gagliardi) notices her beloved husband, Bill Sr (played by Michael Gilbride) has returned home on edge after a tennis match with their son Bill Jr (Chris Pearson), she grows suspicious and springs into action. Determined to piece together the puzzle, she invites her son, and daughter-in-law, Jane, (played by Tracey Brown) over for drinks and dessert. Sidesplitting chaos ensues as Alice digs for the truth.  A shattering and hilarious comedy about the transformative power of love and marriage…for better…and for worse.  

NANA'S NAUGHTY KNICKERS is a comedy that has the audience laughing from start to finish, with brilliant acting performances highlighted by the three lead actresses who make an amazing comedy trio. I highly recommend this show.

Bridget and her Grandmother are about to become roommates. However, what Bridget saw as a unique opportunity to stay with her favorite Nana in New York for the summer quickly turns into an experience she'll never forget. It seems her sweet Grandma is running an illegal boutique from her apartment, selling hand-made naughty knickers to every senior citizen in the five borough area! Will Bridget be able to handle all the excitement? Will her Nana get arrested or worse - evicted!

Three widowed Jewish friends visit their late husbands' graves together each month. When one of those widows begins to enter a new romantic relationship, the other two take issue for their own unique reasons. This plays out in comedic and dramatic ways that will keep the entire audience invested and entertained from start to finish in this brilliantly written, directed, and acted performance.

Three Jewish widows meet once a month for tea before going to visit their husbands' graves. Ida played by Barbara Horn, is sweet tempered and ready to begin a new life, Lucille, played by Karen Gagliardi, is a feisty embodiment of the girl who just wants to have fun, and Doris, played by Tracy Costa, is straitlaced and judgmental, particularly when Sam, (Russell Fish) the butcher and an eligible widower, enters the picture with Mildred (Bonnie Sprague). 

Five aging practitioners of the oldest profession are faced with a diminishing clientele, increased competition for their niche market, and aching joints. With wit, compassion, and humor, they struggle to find and learn new tricks as they fight to stay in the Life.

Five aging practitioners of the oldest profession are faced with a diminishing clientele, increased competition for their niche market, and aching joints. With wit, compassion, and humor, they struggle to find and learn new tricks as they fight to stay in the Life.