For the first time in its 23-year history, the Summer Cabaret at Yale has hired the same managing director for back-to-back seasons. Richard Whittington, a second-year student in the theatre management program at the School of Drama, will attempt to build on a number of innovations he introduced last year when the Summer Cabaret opens its season in June. Founded in 1974 by drama school students, the Summer Cabaret is New Haven's only professional summer theater. The 85-seat venue offers both drama and fine dining to its patrons. "I always hear the Summer Cabaret referred to as `the best kept secret in Connecticut,'" says Mr. Whittington. "I see it as my job as managing director to let the secret out of the bag and help ensure the Cabaret's future for years to come."