Pantochino Productions, a not-for-profit theatre company in Milford, has announced its 2026-2027 season, including two new musicals and the return of a holiday favorite.
Coproducers Jimmy Johansmeyer and Bert Bernard, founders of the company in 2010, will return to the stage at Milford Arts Council for all four productions.
“The season is a reflection of our mission to entertain, engage and enrich audiences with an array of original, affordable musical theatre,” Bernardi said.
“It’s an exciting lineup with something for everyone,” added Johansmeyer.
Pantochino will open its season with the new musical, “The Real Housewives of Sleepy Hollow” with book and lyrics by Bernardi and music by composer Justin Rugg. Performances run Oct. 9-25. The show is a mash-up of the popular reality television phenomenon and Washington Irving’s class legend.
“We’re seeing the story of Ichabod Crane, Katrina Van Tassel and of course the Headless Horsemen through the eyes of the outspoken housewives. This will be a blast,” explains Bernardi.
For the holidays, the company will revive its award-winning “panto” musical, “Christmas Carol, the Panto,” which debuted in 2022. The Bernardi and Rugg creation won seven Broadway World Connecticut Awards, including Best Musical and Best New Work. This effervescent retelling of the Dickens classic is full of sight gags, one-liners and fast paced fun. The musical also features the unpredictable merriment of Victoria Sautee in a cameo role. The show plays Dec. 4-20.
Pantochino’s Teen Theatre company will present “Urinetown, the Musical” by Mark Hollmann and Greg Kotis from Feb. 26-28. The satirical musical comedy is set in a dystopian future where a water shortage has led to a totalitarian regime controlling public restrooms. The tale of love, corruption, greed and revolution will be performed by a cast of local young actors.
Pantochino debuts “At This Performance,” a new musical farce by Bernardi and Rugg, with shows from April 23 through May 9. Set in the dressing room of a Broadway theatre, the curtain is about to rise on the most talked-about show of the season. But the legendary leading lady is missing. In the tradition of theatre, the show must go on inciting a series of hilarious, outrageous and side-splitting antics.
“This is purely Pantochino,” said Bernardi. “I can’t wait for audiences to see it.”
Pantochino’s performances are cabaret style, with audiences invited to bring their own food and drink during the performance. Tickets for all performances will be on sale starting Aug. 1 at pantochino.com.