Theater Review: "Checking in on Charles" by Pantochino Productions

Milford - Pantochino Productions has launched "Checking in on Charles" on the stage at Milford Arts Council, the MAC. The new musical comedy written by Bert Bernardi with music by Justin Rugg runs through May 15.

Is Charles Island haunted? Or cursed? All is revealed in this new musical comedy that affectionately pays tribute to the legends and lores of this storied island. Set in 1905, expect gilded-age gals, ghosts, grifters and maybe even Captain Kidd.

"Checking in on Charles" imagines a night at the Island House, an Inn which once was the centerpiece to historic Charles Island. It follows the innkeeper and a host of zany characters who all long for a piece of this tiny island. When the guests start checking in on Charles Island, the legends of the island actually come to life on stage in this laugh-out-loud musical.

The author of this spooky/funny story has done a great job of researching the legends about this 14-acre plot of land situated off Silver Sands Beach in Milford and weaving them into the book and lyrics. “There are many, many facts presented here…and a great deal of fiction, too! It’s all true, except what’s not!,” Bernardi writes in the printed program. The director/co-producer, who is an actor, director and playwright of over two hundred original musicals, adds this well-constructed piece to his ever - growing list.

Connecticut residents will be able to relate many of the references to the Nutmeg state. The Britchard family has a house in Waterbury; other towns mentioned include New Haven and Bridgeport. Watch for treasure maps, ghosts and pirate references as well.

Mary Mannix, who played Brandy in the world premiere of “Just Desserts” at Branford's Legacy Theatre, leads the cast in the role of the new innkeeper Miss Bernice Britchard, whose father was the “Button King” of his time. In her first show with Pantochino Productions, Tracey Marble seems to have so much fun in the role of the former innkeeper, now demoted to housekeeper, Miss Aurelia Biddle.

Jeremy Ajdukiewicz portrays island worker Mr. Sprig in his first Pantochino show and Janet Zamparo transitioned from audience member to actor for her first Pantochino production and is a delight as the oldest resident of the inn, Mrs. Prudy.

Rick Calvo, an New York based actor who most recently played Fidel in the Brookfield Theatre production of “Dot,” plays the newly-hired Meredith the Bell Boy. Award-winning actor, costume designer and educator Jimmy Johansmeyer is the male half of a gold-digging couple, who arrive with two children. Fifth grade student Ryder Blanchard is Harry and Cara Marquis of Milford plays Polly.

Resident Music Director Justin Rugg, who has been performing with Pantochino since its 2011, appears onstage as Mr. Maxwell Malone, who checks in with his “assistant” Miss Honeysuckle Jones, played to perfection by Pantochino favorite Shelley Marsh Poggio.

Unexpectedly, there are two nuns in the cast. They are played by Valerie Solli of Milford as Sister Pius and the always delightful Maria Berte as Sister Boniface.

At the packed matinee that I attended, the role of the scheming Mrs. Dorothea Devlin, usually played by Rachelle Ianniello, was covered by Eilee Dingus. George Spelvin has a cameo as Mr. George Misch.

The historically accurate and beautifully detailed costumes that Johansmeyer designed for this piece are worth the trip to see this show. My personal favorite is the first outfit worn by Honeysuckle Jones, but the lilac ensemble worn by Miss Britchard is a close second. Hair and wigs are provided by Wigboys.

When a musical cue was missed during an important scene, one of the “ghosts” haunting Miss Britchard ad libbed “Let’s sing at her,” and the recorded accompaniment soon began so that the cast could proceed. It was a cute way to save the scene.

“Checking in on Charles,” which is presented with one 10-minute intermission, plays now through May 15. It runs on Fridays & Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.

There are some naughty bits, but most of the script is pretty wholesome and funny. Cabaret seating is back, so bring your own food and drink. You can grab a table at www.pantochino.com. Performances are presented at MAC, Milford Arts Council, 40 Railroad Avenue in Downtown Milford. There is free parking in all train station lots at show times.

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. She recently became a contributor to the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. Her weekly column and theatre reviews appear in the Thursday Weekend section of the paper.

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