Review: 'The Waffle House Five' by Pantochino Productions

Milford, CT - THE WAFFLE HOUSE FIVE is a new musical comedy by Bert Bernardi & Justin Rugg in the spirit of their smash hit shows “Noni Cimino’s Kitchen” and “Italian Wedding Soup. Let me reiterate that this is an original musical with book and lyrics by Mr. Bernardi and music by Mr. Rugg, the resident composer for Pantochino Productions, who is also a member of the cast. How exciting that this company even has a resident composer, and a very talented one at that, to work with such a fine playwright as Mr. Bernardi, who has written over a hundred original plays and musicals.

So what is THE WAFFLE HOUSE FIVE about? Ten million dollars in lottery dreams are up for grabs when five waffle workers agree to split it if they hit it. But when the dream comes true, all bets are off as one lucky waitress serves up anything but the truth. Inspired by a true story, this toe-tapping musical offers a big ole’ southern-style portion of outrageous laughter, wonderful original music, heartache, surprises and home fries on the side!

The members of the cast, right down to the youngest little lady, admirably maintain their Southern twang throughout their dialogue and lyrics and look the part in their superb costumes. And all the talk about how one can have breakfast at any time of the day made this reviewer crave a big plate of waffles throughout the two acts.

Marci Bing (TEEN SANTA) is simply adorable as Miss Lucy, the eldest waitress at the Waffle House. Maria Berte (GLITZ) plays the pious Sandra, Rachelle Ianniello (GLITZ) is the bubbly Angela, and Mary Mannix (GLITZ) took on the role of the villain Jaycee Rae. Elementary student Peighton Nash (GLITZ) did well as the daughter of the store manager.

Don Poggio (BEAT BUGS) played the generous tipper Ned Nickerson. His wife Shelley Marsh Poggio (GLITZ, BEAT BUGS) stood out in the role of the sassy waitress Jackie and took the lead on the title song. Justin Rugg (BEAT BUGS) played the Waffle House manager named Matthew. Valerie Solli of Milford played customer Mavis and and George Spelvin was her husband Mason. Co-producer and costume designer Jimmy Johansmeyer (GLITZ) played the role of Bo Ramsey in a wig that almost made him unrecognizable as his not very nice character.

The detailed and accurate set designed by Von Del Mar was the perfect Waffle House in Flat Bay Alabama back in 1999 (that originally opened in 1959,) complete with laminated menus and an old-fashioned pay phone on the wall. The script cheekily explained why it could serve also as a courtroom.

Sound design was by Sara Brown and Jeff Carr was in charge of the lighting. Mr. Rugg served as music director of his original songs and got to sing a big chunk of them along with the ladies. Mr. Bernardi directed the piece that he wrote and even took on a small role under the pseudonym of George Spelvin.

Costumes designed by Jimmy Johansmeyer for Pantochino are always worth the price of admission. This show had cheery yellow Waffle House uniforms, as well as second act changes for all cast members in red, white and blue. If I ever managed to write another musical, I would want Mr. J to do the costumes. This company and presumably the costumer also has a knack for selecting the best wigs to match each character, and makeup is always so very well done.

The Sunday afternoon that I attended the matinee performance was a rainy one and a memorable number in the score featured the line that “dreams aren’t waterproof.” This funny piece definitely lifted the spirits of those that had come out on the rainy weekend, many of whom had brought quite the spread of snacks. Ladies at a nearby table offered me a glass of what they had brought along to sip.

THE WAFFLE HOUSE FIVE runs through May 19. Performances are held at Milford Arts Council, the MAC at the Milford Train Station. There is cabaret seating, so feel free to bring your own food and drink. Grab a table now at www.pantochino.com Senior Citizens just $10 at the door only. Sponsored by the Carla & Sean Sullivan Fund at the Community Foundation of Greater New Haven.

NOTE: While all Pantochino shows are family-friendly, this production may not be suitable for very young children. Click here for tickets

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues. She posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and on Twitter @nancysjanis417 Check out the NEW CCC Facebook page.