Theater Review: 'Panto of the Opera' at Pantochino Productions

By Nancy Sasso Janis

Pantochino Productions, a professional not-for-profit theater company in Milford, is presenting the debut of its new musical “Panto of the Opera” through Oct. 29 at the MAC, Milford Arts Council in Downtown Milford.

“Panto of the Opera” is a funny, family-friendly musical in the tradition of British panto written by Bert Bernardi (book and lyrics) and resident composer Justin Rugg. This is a spoof of all things “Phantom” that is full of very broad comedy, puns, audience interaction, sight gags and songs.

Included in the silly story are the Phantom, his unreliable chandelier, the diva Madame Carlotta and the rest of the opera staff as we see Christine become obsessed with the man behind the mask. Directed by Bernardi, this panto hits all of the right notes and is filled with laughs.

Rugg plays the role of the Phantom. Most recently seen as Scrooge in “Christmas Carol,” the talented actor dons more than one mask in his role.

The cast includes several Pantochino company members. Jimmy Johansmeyer, who most recently was seen in “The Play That Goes Wrong” at Legacy Theatre, looms comically large in the role of Maestro.

Killingworth resident Mary Mannix (above at right,) a founding member of Pantochino, is a delight in the role of Christine with her wonderful comic timing and presence. In this “Phantom,” Christine has traveled from Norwalk to audition for the French opera company and therefore retains her American accent. Mannix was also part of “The Play That Goes Wrong” in Branford.

Shelley Marsh Poggio is the perfect choice to play the role of the bossy Madame Carlotta, even when she loses her voice and must pantomime her way through her lines.

Rachelle Ianniello takes on the role of opera concierge Madame Dreary in her fifth season with the Pantochino family.

Don Poggio, also the carpenter on the production team, plays the opera company Manager. Lu DeJesus of New Haven (“Away We Go,” Eddie/Dr. Scott in “The Rocky Horror Show”) returns to this stage to show off his fine singing voice in the role of Raoul (“I Only Want to Sing” with Madame Dreary.)

Sydney Maher (“Beat Bugs,) Leanne Onofrio and Killian Meehan round out the company as Yvette, Solange and Noel respectively. Meehan, who makes his Pantochino debut, played Gaston in Landmark’s “Beauty and The Beast” and has appeared at Phoenix Stage Company.

Madame Dreary: “What are you saying?” Phantom: “Lines from other shows, apparently.”

The show also features a special appearance by Victoria Sautee, who produced an online series “Let’s Learn Stuff” during lockdown. Sautee, who appeared in “Christmas Carol,” portrays ghostbuster Madam Cherchez (“The Peripatetic Paranormal '') and elicits a giggle whenever she enters the stage.

Costumes by Johansmeyer are exquisite in their design and construction. In this collection, the ladies’ gowns are beautifully French and the guys' suits are suave, with the Phantom’s two ensembles (with a change for “Phantom in Red”) including the requisite cape, my favorites.

The setting by Von Del Mar features three arches and the faulty chandelier. Lighting by recent WCSU graduate Jakob Kelsey is perfect for the space, Rugg served as musical director for the numbers that he composed, including “Carlotta’s Song,” “The Phantom’s Song” and the slightly naughty “Baguette Song.” Sound by Tyler Kittleman worked well and Christina Ronquillo is the busy stage manager.

Next up at Pantochino will be “Christmas Cookies,” a new holiday musical.

“The Panto of the Opera” is a fun romp for the entire family. Performances, presented with a ten-minute intermission, are Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 5:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. The performance runs about 90 minutes. Seating is cabaret-style and audiences are invited to bring their own food and drink to enjoy during the performance, and many do. The Milford Arts Council, The MAC is located at 40 Railroad Avenue in Downtown Milford. Parking is free at showtime in all train station lots. Tickets are available online at www.pantochino.com.

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theater reviews since 2012 as a way to support local venues, and she posts well over 100 reviews each year. She became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle in 2016. Her contributions of theatrical reviews, previews, and audition notices are posted in the Naugatuck Patch as well as the Patch sites closest to the venue. She is also a feature writer and theater reviewer for the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. Her weekly column IN THE WINGS and theater reviews appear in the Thursday Weekend section of the paper.

Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and Connecticut Theatre Previews and on Twitter @nancysjanis417 Check out the CCC Facebook page.