Pantochino's 2015-16 Season to Include DRACTASTIC!, 'MERMAID HIGH' & More

Award-winning Pantochino Productions Inc. has announced its 2015/16 season which includes three original musicals for family audiences, a Teen Theatre production and an exciting new series produced in conjunction with the Milford Arts Council.

Producers Bert Bernardi and Jimmy Johansmeyer have launched a new website in celebration of the company's fifth season since debuting in 2010. "Opening a new professional theatre company in the dense theatrical landscape here in Connecticut was a big risk," said Bernardi. "But we're the only company dedicated to original musical theatre for family audiences...we saw a need for this," he added. "It's been a thrilling, adventurous and rewarding ride so far," confirmed Johansmeyer, "And we're so excited to continue our fifth year with such a strong and thrilling season."

In October, the season opener is "Dractastic!," a wildly funny rock musical version of the Dracula legend. "This one is all laughs, for all ages," chortled Bernardi, who has written the book and lyrics with an original score by Pantochino's composer Justin Rugg. The show plays October 23 through November 1.

For the holidays, the high spirited company offers "Christmas Cookies!," a new musical about a troubled bakery saved by a trio of tasty cookie treats, and Santa Claus himself. "Our holiday show is the centerpiece of our season and we are very excited to bring this magical show, and these cookies, to life," confided Johansmeyer. "Christmas Cookies!" plays December 11 through 27.

February marks the return of Pantochino's popular Teen Theatre. This year, the young actor company will present "Zombie Prom, Atomic Edition," with music by Dana Rowe, book and lyrics by John Dempsey. The campy musical romp through the atomic 1950's is the girl meets ghoul camp classic, having played off-Broadway in 1996. Performances are February 27 & 28, 2016.

The third original musical from the pen of Bernardi and Rugg is "Fast Times at Mermaid High," a splashy 'new wave' look at the saga of The Little Mermaid through the eyes of the 1980's.

All four musicals will be produced at the Center for the Arts in Downtown Milford.

In addition, Pantochino will continue its Summer Theatre Camps, After School Drama Clubs and will offer a roster of new classes for young actors at its Studio space at the former Saint Ann School in Milford.

New this year, is a series of shows produced in conjunction with the Milford Arts Council. "Nite Spot Nights" offers six unique musical performances featuring Broadway's best and popular music from the American Songbook performed by top notch talent from the Greater New York area. The Center for the Arts will be transformed into a club-like setting, with tables and chairs, and patrons may bring whatever they like to eat or drink during the performance. The schedule for "Nite Spot Nights" will be announced soon, and will feature a very special New Year's Eve celebration.

Information on all of Pantochino's 2015/16 season can be found on their website, www.pantochino.com.