Theater Review: "As Long As We're Talking" at Pantochino Productions

Milford - Pantochino Productions has opened a beautiful little original musical titled “As Long As We’re Talking” on the stage at The Milford Arts Council. It is the Milford-based theater’s Pride Month celebration proving that Pride is for everyone and will give audiences “all the feels.”

Bert Bernardi provided the book and lyrics for this one-act, with cast member and resident music director Justin Rugg composing the music for the original songs. There is a cute reference to “song words” in the script, and it is Rugg’s character that helpfully provides the word “lyrics.” Bernardi directed his new work with love.

This is the true story of an unexpected telephone call to an LBGTQ+ bookstore in Chicago called “The Book Nook.” The year is 2019. The script is based on actual events and is both touching and uplifting as it celebrates all of us.

I was not able to find a song list, so I will do my best to name my favorite numbers. The title song is presented early in the show, followed by the cute “Checkin’ Out the Check Out Girl” performed by a lesbian character. The funniest number tells the story of a large Italian family having a party to celebrate their son’s coming out. The supportive mother of a gay son gets to perform “No Matter What” and the non-binary character has a song about “No Patience for Pronouns.” The show closes with a touching “It’s Not Your Fault” and an uplifting “It Gets Better.”

Shelley Marsh Poggio (pictured above) leads the cast in the role of Kay, the big personality that answers the phone at the bookstore and knows the exact location of every one of its titles. This extremely talented actress, who has been performing with Pantochino since its inception, gets to show off her acting chops in this role and, as always, sings every note of her musical numbers perfectly. In rehearsal footage, I almost didn’t recognize Poggio and I realized it was because I have never seen her onstage without an ornate wig. Costumer Jimmy Johansmeyer provides her with big red hair for the role of Kay.

Co-producer Johansmeyer step onstage to portray a businessman who happens to be gay and also steps up to play family members of the other characters. Rachelle Ianniello is the delightful “Girl in Boots” in her third season with the Pantochino family, and Tracey Marble, who recently played Miss Biddle in “Checking In On Charles” is very funny as the non-binary “Bunny.”

Rugg steps on the stage to portray “Pride Guy,” described in the script as a walking “Gay Pride Parade.” The gifted actor/musician pulls off probably the best costume and lovingly sings the music that he composed.

“Lady in Trench Coat” is brought to life by the talented Susan Kulp. She is reunited with Johansmeyer, who created the role of Zack in the new musical Just Desserts at the Legacy Theatre. She appears with the Pantochino “gang” for the first time in this role.

Rugg, the company’s resident composer/musical director, is part of the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce's "40 UNDER 40." For all his genius musical compositions, and for the hundreds and hundreds of young people Justin teaches each year, you can vote for him here: www.milfordct.com/40under40

Micah Soviero is the voice of Chris until he makes his entrance for the final scene. Soviero came to Pantochino several years ago as part of their Summer Theatre Camp series, then was seen in many of our Teen Theatre productions.

The set design by Von Del Mar brings us to the colorful LBGTQ+ bookshop and the lighting designed by Jeff Carr makes it bright. Sound by Bella Genuario was fine for the most part.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Trevor Project, a not for profit organization dedicated to end suicide among LBGTQ youth.

The opening night audience cheered the cast and crew on Friday evening. Celebrate all kinds of love at the remaining performances of “As Long As We’re Talking” are today at 2 & 7:30 p.m. and tomorrow at 2 p.m. Everyone can experience this surprising, uplifting show with your friends and family at the Milford Arts Council, the MAC. There is cabaret seating, so bring your own food and drink. Tickets at pantochino.com. STUDENTS/SENIORS $10.00 TICKETS AT THE DOOR.

Next up is the Pantochino Teen Theatre's production of "Grease" to be presented in August at SHU Community Theatre in Fairfield.

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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