By Kaitlyn Gibbens
Bethesda Little Theatre is about to serve up a new treat — and this one comes with plenty of heart, humor, and life’s twists and turns. Following the production of two other original musicals, including Neal Learner’s Trees in 2023, BLT proudly presents the world premiere of Leaner’s new work, French Cupcakes.
French Cupcakes is a (fictional) legendary café-bakery in a quaint midwestern college town. Under the direction of Michael Fowle (director), Paul Rossen (music director), and Cathy Oh (choreographer), BLT’s new and seasoned actors bring the charming locale and characters to life.
When Pierre, the café’s beloved owner, is ready to hang up his apron and chase sunsets on the French Riviera, the other characters are left to determine the café’s fate. The main characters’ dreams of becoming a diplomat, a shining country star, and a Wall Street titan collide with the reality of French Cupcakes’ future as a community mainstay. And, as fate would have it, old ambitions melt away, making room for unexpected new beginnings — even for the “Greek Chorus” of baristas. French Cupcakes promises heartfelt moments, laugh-out-loud scenes, and an ending that reminds us: Sometimes dreams come true… just not the ones you expect.
French Cupcakes, presented by Bethesda Little Theatre, runs October 10–12 and 17–19, 2025, at the Writer’s Center, 4508 Walsh St, Bethesda, MD. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM and Sundays at 2:30 PM. Tickets are $28 general admission ($22 for senior citizens and military servicemembers and $18 for children 12 and under) and available online.
Join BLT for the icing on the [cup]cake: a talkback from playwright and composer Neal Learner, along with the director and music director, after the October 12 performance and a post-performance dessert party after the October 17 performance!
