Review: The Wicked Witch of the West Kansas or Bust by Pantochino

Dedicated to Eileen Lagasse, my cousin who grew up in Milford, who I miss so much

Milford, CT - Pantochino Productions has opened another production of an original musical at the Milford Arts Council at the Milford Train Station. THE WICKED WITCH OF THE WEST KANSAS OR BUST has a book and lyrics written by the wonderful Bert Bernardi (who slyly covers several roles in the show) with music composed by resident composer Justin Rugg (who also is a member of the cast.)

I love coming to Pantochino Productions to see the always clever and effortlessly memorable original musicals, designed for the entire family with plenty to appeal to the adult members of the families that attend. I also truly look forward to seeing the costumes that the incredibly gifted Jimmy Johansmeyer has designed for the show. With this wonderful show, both gentlemen have outdone themselves. In fact, Bonnie Goldberg of the CT Critics Circle earned a quote in the Pantochino brochure (since she obviously had the good fortune of attending a past production of this piece.)

“Bernardi has outdone himself in the clever department, filled to the top with genuine humor...Rugg’s music adds delightful liveliness.” - Bonnie Goldberg

I concur with my colleague’s views of KANSAS OR BUST, and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the two acts, as did the youngest patrons at the matinee.

The green WW of the West is back with a vengeance in this one, described as Pantochino’s funniest musical that has returned to Milford where it first premiered. This award-winning musical has played around the country and even internationally for many lucky children and the adults who love them. The musical brings back the best-loved characters from Oz who descend in Dorothy’s home state of Kansas in hopes of finding broomsticks, slippers and Dorothy herself.

“Who Needs a Yellow Brick Road?”

There are so many funny lines and lyrics that I laughed throughout, just waiting for the next clever twist. I loved that Dorothy’s friends from the land of Oz offered a fun epilogue of what they have been up to since their young friend returned to Kansas and I couldn’t get enough of the sly references to the original Wizard of Oz film. The songs also make references to Broadway and television programs that were fun to catch. The Wicked Witch makes a pilgrimage to Whitchita, a clever connection that I never had the cleverness to make.

The three youngest members of the cast share the surname “Vagabelle” and are a trio of vagabonds in Kansas. The eldest is Faylene, played well by Madison Middle School seventh grade student Keira Citarella. The young performer has performed in Pantochino summer camp programs for the past three summers and had an easy stage presence in this role. Connor Rizzo (GLITZ!,) a seventh grade student at Harborside Middle School in Milford, took on the role of Elrod and did well in his fourth mainstage show with Panthochino. Rounding out the vagabond trio was Nora Simonelli in her mainstage debut in the role of Billie Ray Jay; This fourth grade student at East Shoreline Academy in Branford was a strong presence in the spunky role.

George Spelvin, who bears a strong resemblance to the playwright, stepped out of the ensemble to play Professor Marvel, Auntie Em (seriously!) and the Ozian Gatekeeper. I always enjoy seeing this actor bring to life the roles that he has written and this show has some of his best performances in my opinion. I especially enjoyed his duet with the Witch “Show Me.”

The lovely Rachelle Ianniello (THE WAFFLE HOUSE FIVE, GLITZ!) takes on the sparkly role of Glinda in her second season with Pantochino. She rocked her marvelous costume and made the most of her fun role.

Three multi talented actors took on the roles of the famous trio of Dorothy’s Ozian friends in reimagined and somewhat modernized costumes designed by Mr. Johansmeyer, one for himself, for the resident costumer and co-producer took on the role of Scarecrow in the show. As expected, Jimmy, who was last seen on this stage as Bo in THE WAFFLE HOUSE FIVE, brought a special charm to the role of the scarecrow. Cadence Castro of East Hartford took on the role of the Cowardly Lion in their first production with Pantochino and dedicates the debut to an avid supporter of them, Diane Castro. Justin Rugg, the show’s composer, took to the stage for his 26th production with the company to play the Tin Man so well in a magnificent silver costume. Mr. Rugg also serves as the musical director for the summer theatre camp for some very lucky young performers in training.

Mary Mannix (THE WAFFLE HOUSE FIVE, GLITZ!) kicks off Pantochino’s ninth season by sharing the stage with her daughter Nora for the first time with her take on the role of Dorothy, now slightly older and back in Kansas. The triple threat who holds a BA in Musical Theatre from the Catholic University of America was adorable and funny in this role.

And then there is the marvelous Shelley Marsh Poggio, one of my favorite reasons to make the trip to Milford. Here she reprises one of her favorite roles of the Wicked Witch of the West and wow, does she make the most of every moment she is on the stage. She is perfectly cast in this starring role performed with green skin and a strong sense of comic timing, and she carried off the most spectacular black gown in the first act. To my mind, this detailed ensemble, featuring a red lining to its ruffled skirt and a sparkly jacket, could hold its own against that of Elphaba in my favorite musical WICKED.

Mr. Bernardi both directed and staged his creation, bringing it to magnificent life; the show started at 2pm on the dot, the first act was finished in less than an hour and began promptly after the intermission, all of which made it easy for the youngest of patrons. The composer provided the musical direction of his score. The set designed by Von Del Mar featured Kansas corn stalks and lighting designed by Tom Simpson matched the scenes well. Sound by Sara Brown made sure that everyone was heard and the music was always on cue.

The 2019 - 2020 season at Pantochino continues with THE GINGERBREADS OF BROADWAY, two performances of CHRISTMAS COCKTAILS for adults, a special attraction titled 1970, and CHECKING IN ON CHARLES in the spring.

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 Connecticut Theatre Previews and on Twitter @nancysjanis417 Check out the NEW CCC Facebook page.

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