Mother Daughter Duo Shine in Guys and Dolls
By: Miriam Colvin
The stage at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre was graced by a special dynamic in the 2025 production of Guys and Dolls: the mother-daughter duo of Cat and Colleen Pagano. While they haven’t shared the stage in this particular musical before, this production marks their fifth show together as performers. Their shared history and familial bond added a unique layer to their performances and the rehearsal process.
Colleen played General Cartwright, the uptight regional representative of The Salvation Army group. Cat was in the ensemble, taking on a variety of characters including a Hotbox Girl, who dances in flashy cabaret numbers throughout the course of the show. Choreographed by Al Blackstone, Emmy-Award Winning choreographer, the large dance numbers were no easy feat, but Cat Pagano glided across the stage with grace in Havana, Cuba, sass in the HotBox Club, and power in the sewer during the “Crapshooters Ballet.” Cat reflects on her artistic upbringing, saying, “My mother was my teacher from when I was very young. Growing up in her studio she was a structural facet of my arts education.” She recalls being in ballet classes from the age of two, emphasizing that it was initially “more for fun and joy than coordination.” Her passion for dance has remained a constant, even while pursuing a communications degree in college.
Colleen Pagano expresses deep gratitude for sharing the stage with her daughter. “I get very emotional thinking about the opportunity to experience theatre with my daughter by my side,” she says, “It is an honor and a privilege every time I get to perform, but looking across the stage and seeing her face makes this gift that I have been given even sweeter.” As Cat’s teacher growing up, Colleen feels proud of Cat’s accomplished career. She fondly remembers their previous collaborations, including The Music Man, where they played mother and daughter, and Fiddler on the Roof.
Their relationship becomes professional as soon as they step into the rehearsal room, of course, but it doesn’t mean they’re unable to enjoy quality bonding time together. In fact, having each other as co-workers allows for a built-in friend in the cast. Despite living a half-hour apart, they often carpool, meeting near I-95 and traveling together to the Theatre. “It gives us a chance to catch up, and she helps me with my lines and any questions I have regarding changes that have been made,” Colleen explains, “Being that our lives are so busy and we are not usually in the same show, our time together is very precious to me.”
The presence of Cat and Colleen Pagano in Guys and Dolls added a special warmth and genuine connection to the production, showcasing the incredible talent of one family and the beautifully shared passion for the arts.
