What the critics are saying:
|
"For this production, the Director is also the Choreographer and Cassie Abate demonstrates an appreciation of and understanding that makes the production unlike any other I have ever seen." - Front Row Reviewers, Pirates of Penzance at the Utah Shakespeare Festival |
|
“Cassie Abate’s choreography is perfectly timed, equally athletic, comic, and flowing. From high leaps to tap dance contests, dance and song come together.” - Pulp: Arts Around Ann Arbor, Pirates of Penzance at the University of Michigan |
|
|
"Choreography by Cassie Abate fills the stage with the vibrance of gypsy movement and the excitement of a Broadway caliber musical." - BroadwayWorld, The Hunchback of Notre Dame at Texas State |
|
"Choreographer Cassie Abate gives beautiful movement to the company with dance movements that enhance underlying emotions. Even the scene changes have been choreographed, lending a lyrical beauty to this entire production. The moments where the performers are playing and moving in a way so as to enhance the action on stage are stunning. " - BroadwayWorld, Once at the Zach Theatre |
|
|
"With fabulous direction by Cassie Abate, the Tony Award-winning musical is without a doubt dazzling, powerful, heartwarming, and full of laughs. It is pure comedic fun mixed with a powerful lesson on acceptance." - BroadwayWorld, La Cage Aux Folles at Redhouse |
|
“Texas State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance’s new production of “A Chorus Line” reminds us that, yes, this show still has a lot to say about youth, desire, individuality, conformity and, ultimately, the nature of musical theater itself . . . The irony of this process, and the heartbreak of this erasure of individuality, has never been clearer than in Texas State's production." - Austin 360, A Chorus Line at Texas State University |
|
|
"Cassie Abate's staging and choreography are dynamic, and the West Side Story ensemble are thrilling to watch. For me, this is the surprise summer hit. I liked everything about this production . . . When the ensemble leaps, twists, and slides through Abate's ballet and jazz choreography for the Prologue, the Dance at the Gym, and the Tonight Quintet, the audience went wild, as well they should. Great staging and great performances combined to a thrilling effect." - The Westfield News, West Side Story at Connecticut Repertory Theatre
|
|
"Over the course of the production, her love for the show is evident in each of the scenes, as the show is blocked and choreographed down to perfection, keeping the audience engaged from beginning to end." - Onstage Blog, Peter Pan at Connecticut Repertory Theatre |
|
|
“Director/Choreographer Cassie Abate and her incredible cast consistently highlight all the material has to offer. Abate's choreography is far more challenging than what is normally seen on a college stage. The major production numbers are Broadway caliber, and the entire cast executes it like seasoned professionals. Abate brings the same polish and precision to her direction which finds comedic moments even in the show's few throwaway songs.” - BroadwayWorld, Kiss Me, Kate at Texas State University
*Winner of the Austin Critics' Table Award for Best Musical and Best Choreography |
|
“Cassie Abate's choreography ranges from clever duets (think Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers) to happy tapping, bouncing extravaganzas so precisely choreographed you'd think that only angels dancing on the decks of a heaven-bound liner could equal them.” - CTXLT, Anything Goes at Texas State University
*Winner of the Austin Critics' Table Award and BroadwayWorld Austin Award for Best Choreography |
|
“Cassie Abate’s choreography is marvelous to watch and cast members execute the dances well, particularly Tulsa (played by Luke Hamilton) whose song and dance nuber, “All I Need is the Girl” is loose limbed and nimble.” – Events Insider, Gypsy at Connecticut Repertory Theatre
“The number one part of Urinetown was undoubtedly Cassie Abate’s fresh and funny choreography. The new head of dance in musical theatre, Abate proved her chops with movement as diverse as the show’s songs.”- Austin Chronicle, Urinetown at Texas State University
*Winner of the Austin Critic’s Table Award Best Choreography
“The ultimate treat comes late in the performance as the audience gets a tango for the ages. It is worth the price of admission all by itself.” - BroadwayWorld, Much Ado About Nothing at Barrington Stage Company
“The ‘Marian the Librarian’ number is magical with Abate leading a large ensemble in delightful, dreamy choreography on multiple, unexpected levels.” - BroadwayWorld, The Music Man at Connecticut Repertory Theatre
“The pirate/police ensemble be a fine and motley assortment of singers and dancers under the watchful eye of talented choreographer Cassie Abate. The gaggle of giggling girls, daughters of the Major-General, be similarly wonderful and left the audience on the poop deck pooped with applause.” - BroadwayWorld, Pirates of Penzance at Connecticut Repertory Theatre
“The choreography and movement by Cassie Abate is not only exciting to watch but also reveals character and moves the plot forward. The Dance in Musical Theatre Program at Texas State University will be getting a movement treasure to head up their program in September.” - Pirates of Penzance review by Edmond Chibeau
“The ensemble of various prisoners, guards, nobility and whores all work hard throughout, particularly on the lovely choreography by Cassie Abate.” - BroadwayWorld , Man of La Mancha at Connecticut Repertory Theatre
|
“But the real star of a show
with nary a moment that's spotty, is the multi-talented hyphenate Miss Cassie Abate. Her direction keeps this mash-up of Seuss and Carroll afloat, and her choreographic skill gives her reason to gloat.” - BroadwayWorld , Seussical at Connecticut Repertory Theatre |
|
“Cassie Abate's choreography is on point and ranges from Latin to tap to traditional musical theatre movement.” - BroadwayWorld - Guys and Dolls at Connecticut Repertory Theatre
“Cassie Abate’s choreography, simple but effective, blends everything from tap to tangos, hornpipes to disco, and on and on. Mind boggling, but so engaging. These wonderfully conceived turns last only a minute or two, so pay attention. Don’t miss the careful way she has integrated them into the plot of the show.” - Yesterday’s Island, Moby Dick: the Musical at Theatre Workshop of Nantucket
“Shirley Vernon who is played by Cassie Abate lights up the stage with her endearing quest for love and upbeat persona.” - Asbury Park Press, Lady Be Good at Surflight Theatre
“She and Alyssa Alter as Phyllis and Cassie Abate as Lorraine get to tap dance wonderfully and have some scene stealing moments as the bubble headed chorines.” - Theatre Mirror, 42nd Street at North Shore Music Theatre
“Shirley Vernon who is played by Cassie Abate lights up the stage with her endearing quest for love and upbeat persona.” - Asbury Park Press, Lady Be Good at Surflight Theatre
“She and Alyssa Alter as Phyllis and Cassie Abate as Lorraine get to tap dance wonderfully and have some scene stealing moments as the bubble headed chorines.” - Theatre Mirror, 42nd Street at North Shore Music Theatre