Pantochino Productions, a professional, not-for-profit theatre company in Milford, will debut its new musical “A Lad in Manhattan” on Friday, April 24 at the Milford Arts Council in downtown Milford. The family-friendly, all ages musical plays through May 10.
“A Lad in Manhattan,” featuring book and lyrics by Bert Bernardi and music by Justin Rugg, takes the familiar story of Aladdin and reimagines it set in Times Square, the heart of New York City during the 1970s. Here, a young man from Long Island journeys to the Big Apple to find fame and fortune and, to a decidedly disco beat, gets all that and more with the help of some colorful characters and outrageous situations.
“Giving new life to a familiar story is our passion,” says writer/director Bernardi. “Setting the story in the big city has truly created a ‘whole new world’ for the adventure and magic of Aladdin to live and breathe. It’s fast, funny, campy and is great entertainment for children who will be dazzled and delighted, and adult audiences who will get humor beneath the humor.”
The cast includes company members Mary Mannix, Shelley Marsh Poggio, Rachelle Ianniello, Valerie Solli, Justin Rugg, Jimmy Johansmeyer and in the title role, Chad Celini who has appeared in Pantochino’s “What Now Voyager” and “Dorothy’s Christmas in Oz.” Special guest star for this production is Victoria Sautee. Known as the comical “quintessence of effervescence,” Sautee has been called “remarkable and hysterical” by the Hartford Courant. The new musical features setting by Von Del Mar, costumes by Johansmeyer, lighting by Jakob Kelsey, musical direction by Rugg and stage management by T. Gadomski.
Performances are on Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Seating is cabaret-style and audiences are invited to bring their own food and drink to enjoy during the show. The MAC is located at 40 Railroad Ave. South in Milford. Parking is free at showtime in all train station lots. Tickets are available online at pantochino.com.