Review of 'Glitz' by Pantochino Productions

Pictured : Members of the cast of 'Glitz' All photos by KVON Photography

Milford, CT - Everything's coming up tinsel and tiaras at the Milford Arts Council.

Pantochino Productions has opened GLITZ! THE LITTLE MISS CHRISTMAS PAGEANT MUSICAL, a wonderful theatrical event that is appropriate for every member of the family. The original show features a book and lyrics by Bert Bernardi with music by Justin Rugg; the delightful musical was staged and directed by Mr. Bernardi and musically directed by Mr. Rugg. This two-act performance is clever, funny and ultimately a heartwarming holiday treat that is fun for children and the adults who love them. Bring the entire family!

Pantochino’s acclaimed musical, having played hundreds of performances around the country, has returned home for the holidays. There are ten girls with big hair and their outlandish moms with big mouths that are vying for the title of Little Miss Christmas and a crown. It is unexpectedly the Christmas spirit that truly wins in this show that should become a holiday classic.

This is a show with actors of all ages that was written with a sly comic eye that appeals to audience members of all levels of sophistication. While the beauty pageant takes center stage, there is plenty of backstage drama and even a nod to Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Keep an ear out for the number about Valerie Bertinelli and the Phyllis Diller reference. There was some adorable choreography and the glitzy set designed by Von Del Mar is convincingly situated in a small town hall; the lights and sound are always of high quality for this smaller space.

And the costumes! Jimmy Johansmeyer once again designed the most perfect costumes for each of the moms and several changes for their daughters, as well as the pitch-perfect ensembles for the adult leads and even the eliminated contestants. This show even required two nun habits. Kudos to this talented costumer on another impressive wardrobe and that bevy of flattering wigs.

Valerie Solli of Milford played pageant leader Mrs. Glunchappen in her fourth production with this company. Resident composer Justin Rugg appeared again on the stage as DJ Buddy Panache in his 24th Pantochino production; he recently played Joe Cockroach in BEAT BUGS. George Spelvin is credited as the actor who played the onstage choreographer Mister Jerry, but I suspect that it was perhaps a cameo role played by the book writer, who may have also played the ghost of pageants past and one of the nuns. You didn’t hear that from me.

The young pageant contestants that did not make the cut were played well by Claire DeRosa (who attended Amity Theater Camp) as Natalie, Mikaela Franklin as Angelo in her first professional performance, nine-year-old Adrienne Crowley as Rona, HKMS seventh grade student Keira Degnan as the young hippie named Skyblue and third grade student Peigton Nash as the adorable Julie. Imposter beauty queen Donna Lisa Derringer was played by Hazel Foley, a freshman at Warde HS in Fairfield.

The stage moms with distinct personalities were played to perfection by five talented actresses. Dale Allen reprised the role of Helen Haley from Texas in her sixth Pantochino production and her daughter Hailey Ann Haley was portrayed by eighth grade student Annabel Wardman. Shelley Marsh Poggio recreated the the role of the tough Mugsy Loren from New Jersey and nailed it; her children were played by sixth grade student Connor Rizzo as Giovanni and Sierra DiMartino as Sophia. For me, the costume that Mr. J designed for this tough New Jersey mafia (?) mom was the winner in a field of stiff competition, so for costumes this talented actress is presented with “The Gift of Winning!”

Mary Mannix reprised the role of the upper crust Olivia Winerack and her daughter Taylor was played by Brianna Jackson of Trumbull. Maria Berte, by day an instrumental music teacher in East Haven, played the crafty Cheryl Spangles and seventh grade student Ainsley Novin convincingly played her daughter Barbie. Finally, Rachelle Ianniello played the straight-laced Marybeth McCutcheon, while her daughter Goodness Gracious was portrayed by Adeline Horne in her third Christmas production with this company.

Pantochino’s co-producer Jimmy Johansmeyer took on the role of the villainous Shayde Shams and just about stole the show. In a fabulous silver brocade dinner jacket and vest, Mr. J nailed both the evilness and the comedy.

There is cabaret-style (comfortable) seating at all performances, so definitely bring your own food and drink to enjoy during the show. Pantochino proudly supports Food2Kids of Milford and collected donations for the cause after the show. You can support the non-profit Pantochino at a Holiday Book Fair at Barnes & Noble on the Post Road in Milford on Wednesday, Dec. 12. A portion of all sales that day will be donated to Pantochino.

Sponsored by Berchem Moses, PC.
Season sponsor Connecticut Post Mall

Nancy Sasso Janis, writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local venues, posts well over 100 reviews each year. In 2016, her membership in the Connecticut Critics Circle began and her contributions of theatrical reviews, previews, and audition notices are posted not only in the Naugatuck Patch but also on the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and on Twitter @nancysjanis417