Review 'Beat Bugs: A Musical Adventure' by Pantochino Productions

Dedicated to The Lagasse Family, former Milford residents

Milford, CT - BEAT BUGS: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE is based upon an Emmy Award-winning Netflix original series BEAT BUGS that was inspired by music made famous by The Beatles. The animated Netflix series was created by Josh Wakely and tells the story of young bugs who live in an overgrown suburban backyard where they learn life lessons. The program features versions of classic Beatles songs, performed by contemporary recording artists that are interwoven into the narrative. The varied musicians include Pink, Sia, James Corden, Jennifer Hudson and the artist formerly known as Cat Stevens.

This live musical stage show that is making its world premiere right here in CT is a very professional production of Pantochino Productions. The musical was written by Sean Cercone and David Abbinanti and it follows the characters of Walter, Buzz, Jay, Crick, and Kumi as they go on a mission to save Strawberry Fields from a stink bug with other plans for them. The show includes numerous songs from the iconic Beatles catalogue like "All You Need Is Love," "Come Together," “We Can Work It Out,” "Yellow Submarine," "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds," “In My Life,” "Strawberry Fields Forever," (of course) and "With A Little Help From My Friends," among others.

I enjoyed the show despite that I had never seen a single episode of the Netflix series; the only real difficulty I encountered was trying to match the young bugs with their names in the program. Otherwise, the characters were easy to identify and I can confidently credit each actor with the correct role.

Walter Walrus, a theatrical slug with a big heart, was played by Barret Crowder in his first Pantochino production; the BFA graduate of Brenau University rocked his bright blue costume and maintained a convincing lisp. Jay, a curious, ambitious and impulsive skateboard-riding beetle, was brought to life by Gian Raffaele DiCostanza, an Emerson College BFA grad, in his Pantochino debut. An intelligent and creative cricket named Crick was played by David Katz in his debut with this company. Mr. Katz has made many Town Hall appearances in Seth Rudetsky’s Concerts for America. Kumi, a confident and ladybug with two-tone hair, was played by the strong singer Ariana Morales in her Pantochino debut. Rounding out the main young bugs was Sydney Maher as Buzz, an optimistic and enthusiastic fruit fly who is the youngest of the group.

The villain Mr. Mustard, the stinkbug with a scent to match his big personality, was brought to vivid, colorful life by co-producer/costumer Jimmy Johansmeyer. This Shakespeare quoting, corporate character provided humor for the adults and younger patrons alike. Mary Mannix got to play his assistant (dear) Prudence in a wonderful performance; I told the actress in the lobby that she wore my favorite costume of the night designed by Mr. Johansmeyer, an architectural masterpiece in shades of brown with a wig that accented it perfectly.

Don Poggio (Underling in DROWSY CHAPERONE with Castle Craig Players) sported a bright yellow suit for his role as Mr. Sun. Music director and resident composer for the company Justin Rugg brought flourish and a British accent to the role of Sgt. Pepper in his 23rd Pantochino production. Shelley Marsh Poggio was royally mighty as the Queen Bee in a fabulous yellow and black gown in her eighth season with this company. Western CT State University grad and production intern Michael Battista (Fish in THE CAT IN THE HAT at WCSU) wore a similarly patterned ensemble in his role of Postman Bee. Anna Hicks made her professional theatre debut as she played Doris the spider.

Conversation about launching “Bugstock”
WALTER: “What are you gonna do?”
SGT. PEPPER: “Nothing. I’m a producer.”

There was so much right with this production. I loved the riffs that were added for the adults in the audience. I caught the references to FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, A CHORUS LINE, as well as the lyrics of Crosby, Stills and Nash in “Woodstock” and the group YES. In fact, the concert put together by the young bugs was referred to as “Bugstock,” and “Joe Cockroach” came out to sing “With a Little Help From My Friends.”

The charming show was staged and directed by Bert Bernardi, a co-producer of Pantochino and author of more than 100 original plays and musicals who is a CCC Tom Killen Award winner. The colorful and functional set was designed by Von Del Mar with lighting by Jeff Carr. Sound by Sara Brown was well done and music direction by Justin Rugg yielded spectacular harmonies, sometimes five parts, on every musical number.

And oh, those costumes. Kudos to Mr. Johansmeyer on his colorful and imaginative designs that began with head to toe spandex layered under generous touches of Seuss-inspired curves. Each one was a work of art and the photos posted here give a hint of the workmanship involved in getting them on the stage.

BEAT BUGS: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE is Live On Stage through October 28 at the Milford Arts Council in Downtown Milford, a building right next to the tracks of the Milford Train Station. The show runs slightly longer than an hour and is presented without intermission. There is cabaret-style seating, so bring your own food and drink to enjoy during the show; expect chips, candy, bottled water, coffee and Sweet Cupcasions mini-cupcakes on sale in the speakeasy on the lower level. Do not hesitate to bring along the children to this family theatre. Sponsored by The Milford Bank with season sponsor Connecticut Post Mall.

Photo Credit: KVON Photography