Trumbull 'Beauty' finds love at kids' Cabaret

Trumbull actress Amy Lamberti grew up loving the stage -- especially the one at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre, where she enjoyed many an afternoon at productions for children.

Now 22, Lamberti will be acting on the very same stage, as the lead in "Sleeping Beauty and Her Prince," a new musical for children written by Tobi Beth Silver that opens Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Bridgeport theater. Performances -- which are all followed by meet-the-cast encounters -- will be offered weekends through April 1.

"Oh, I've been obsessed with the theater since I was a little kid," said Lamberti, laughing.

"I mean, how could I not? How many people go to work every day knowing that they can dress up, put on makeup and be someone else?"

A 2007 graduate of Trumbull High School, Lamberti went on to college with the hope of becoming a theater professional. She would receive a bachelor's degree in musical theater from the State University of New York/Cortland, in upstate New York, in May. She also has two years of summer stock experience in Coldwater, Mich., to her credit.

During this season -- her first with Cabaret -- she has performed in various roles since September.

"But this is my first princess," she said, laughing.

"I'm just loving it," she said, regarding her work with the Cabaret Children's Theatre.

In this new version of the old classic, "evil turns to goodness and true love conquers all," according to the theater's press sheet. It's "where three fairies take us on a spellbinding journey that will captivate audiences with so much heart, humor, fun and adventure, as we dream with our princess and cheer for our heroes."

"It's a new story that's pretty cool," said Lamberti, adding that the director is having her play the role as "very wide-eyed, open and sleepy all the time."

As in the original, a kiss awakens Beauty from her stupor and her suitor, Henry, is a prince of sorts.

"He's not really royalty, but he's charming, sweet, good and handsome. So he's my very own prince -- and that's all that matters."

Beautiful costumes and glittering special effects -- along with a popular-music score -- round out the production, she said.

Lamberti said that the greatest thrill in every show comes from seeing the faces and hearing the reactions of the youngsters, who have very few inhibitions.

"It's such a great experience. The kids get so involved with the characters -- and often will talk to us on stage. They laugh and will even sing along when they know a song" from the show. "And sometimes, they're so excited, they'll get up and dance. It's a riot -- I really love them."

Downtown Cabaret Children's Theatre, 263 Golden Hill St., Bridgeport. Saturday, Feb. 26-Sunday, April 1. Saturday, Sunday 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. $18. Shows available for school groups. 203-576-1636, www.dtcab.org.

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