Pantochino Teen Theatre to Blast Off with STARMITES

Pantochino Teen Theatre will present the out-of-this-world pop musical, "Starmites" by Barry Keating and Stuart Ross for two performances on February 25 & 26 at the Milford Center for the Arts on Railroad Avenue in Downtown Milford. The show features twenty-two local young actors from 12 to 17 years old in a production sponsored by The Milford Bank.

With music and lyrics by Barry Keating and book by Stuart Ross ('Forever Plaid') and Keating, "Starmites" was nominated for six Tony Awards including Best Musical in 1989. "We're thrilled to share this exciting musical with these young actors," said director Bert Bernardi. "Our Teen Theatre is one of our fastest growing and exciting programs we offer at Pantochino."

"Starmites" is the story of shy teenager Eleanor who has built a fantasy world around the sci-fi comic books she collects. To the distress of her mother, she has learned to avoid the pains of growing up by escaping into fantasy, imagining herself to be an unrecognized superhero. When she is mysteriously thrust into the website world of her favorite comic book, Eleanor is drawn into the conflict between villainous Shak Graa and the Starmites, guardian angels of Innerspace. She turns out to be the legendary Milady, teen superhero who must lead the Mites on their quest to save the galaxy. Standing in her way are a colorful assortment of villains including the delightfully flamboyant Diva, Queen of Innerspace and her Banshee warriors. With the help of hip-hop heartthrob Space Punk, Eleanor learns to own up to the inner power she has always denied, defeating her foes and conquering the evil force of the "Cruelty."

Pantochino Teen Theatre allows young actors the opportunity to work with professional directors and designers outside the academic setting, on a schedule matching that of professional theatre companies. "Starmites" has been cast, learned and rehearsed in a brief but immersive ten rehearsals. Bernardi directs the show with Justin Rugg as musical director. The design team includes Jimmy Johansmeyer (costumes), David Sexton (lighting), Von Del Mar (sets) and Sara Brown (sound).

The cast includes young actors from Milford, Monroe, Fairfield, Stratford, Shelton, Bethany and Durham.

Performances of "Starmites" are Saturday, February 25 at 5:30pm and Sunday, February 26 at 2pm. All tickets are $10. and available online at www.pantochino.com. "Starmites" is presented through special arrangement with Samuel French Inc.

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