Theater Review: 'A Lad in Manhattan' by Pantochino Productions

Review by Connecticut Critics Circle member and Naugatuck Patch neighbor Nancy Sasso Janis

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Pantochino Productions’ latest offering is the musical “A Lad in Manhattan” on the stage of the Milford Arts Council at the Milford train station.

The musical that is loosely based on the story of “Aladdin” has a delightfully funny book and creative lyrics written by Bert Bernardi and fun music by Justin Rugg. “Lad” hails from Long Island, NY and runs away from his mother to Times Square in the 1970s. Along the way he meets three divas who sing back up, visits The Cave of Wonders, summons the magical Della who grants wishes and crosses paths with “The Man.”

Chad Celini, who performed with the Bright Young Things at the now shuttered Phoenix Stage Company, stars as Lad, decked out in loud pants and a fringed suede vest. Valerie (Solli) Loomis plays his mother.

The three Divas are played by Pantochino veterans. Shelley Marsh Poggio is Deidra, Mary Mannix of Killingworth is Deedee and Rachelle Ianniello is Dusty. I never tire of watching these three actresses share their comedic skills with this delightful company of performers.

Jimmy Johansmeyer takes on the role of “The Man” in a fabulous blue maxi coat, Vanderbilt jeans, and a large orange hat complete with a feather that is perfect for a villain.

Victoria Sautee, who may or may not be related to the book writer/lyricist, returns to this stage as Della, somehow dressed as a sandwich from a delicatessen and topped with a toothpick through her mustard yellow hair. Della does some improv with the audience with riotous results. Sautee is teased onstage about making up lines. It was so much fun to see the “Queen of Effervescence" on the stage again.

Leanne Onofrio, who was part of “Jesus Christ Superstar” at Downtown Cabaret, plays the spoiled rich girl Olivia in a sparkly brocade circle skirt dress and Justin Rugg plays her father, dressed in red, white and black polka dots like a “Monopoly Man.”

The characters unabashedly break the fourth wall and even ask for audience feedback. The fun props include View Masters (remember those?) and there are cameo appearances by a Howard Johnson waitress, Little Orphan Annie and the Statue of Liberty.

The musical highlights from the first act include “Once Upon a Times Square,” “Empire State of Mind,” and “Disco Magic Disco Queen.” The members of the company strike a pose at “The Cave of Wonders” disco and “The Man” sings “Rullalenska” as the other performers snap their large fans. The Divas are a moral compass with “Do the Right Thing” and “Major Dilemma " after the intermission.

Then there are the always spectacular costumes made by Johansmeyer. The costumer provides colorful outfits and wigs that celebrate the disco era. The outfits for a visit to the club The Cave of Wonders are sparkly and fun, truly evoking the 70s.

Von del Mar has designed a static set that evokes the city that never sleeps with colorful city words splayed across long panels. Lighting by Jakob Kelsey works easily for the MAC space. Sound by Tyler Kittleman also works well.

Bernardi directs his work with a wink and a smile and Rugg takes care of the musical direction and musical tracks. T.M. Gadomski oversees everything as the production stage manager.

Pantochino's disco era take on the story of Aladdin, set in a whole new world--Times Square--is now playing live on stage at Milford Arts Council, the MAC. The original musical is completely family friendly, runs under two hours and is very funny. Performances are Friday at 7:30pm, Saturday at 2 & 5:30pm, Sunday at 2pm. There is cabaret seating, so BYOB and plenty of snacks. Grab your table now at pantochino.com.