Pantochino's New Musical Panto CINDERELLA ITALIANO! Opens Tonight

Award-winning Pantochino Productions Inc., a professional non profit theatre company for family audiences, will open it's exciting new musical panto "Cinderella Italiano!" tonight, April 24th at the Center for the Arts in Downtown Milford. It will play weekend performances through May 9th.

"Cinderella Italiano!" is a big, fat, italian house party of a musical, performed in a high-energy panto style

where anything can happen. The traditional story of the girl who wants to go to the ball is transported to Italy. It's filled with the sights and sounds of everything Italian; the Prince is Prince Spaghetti, the Fairy Godmother is a traditional Italian 'Nonna" simply known as The Godmother. There's ugly stepsisters, glass slippers and for this production, a magical cannoli! The story is adapted by Pantochino's Bert Bernardi with music by Justin Rugg.

"Growing up Italian-American with my grandparents who came here 'on the boat,' this family-friendly show is chock full of cultural references, traditions, superstitions and expressions inspired by my very own great big Italian family," said Bernardi. "It's not only funny, it has a big heart-Everything you'd expect Cinderella to be, and more," he added. The original musical score takes it's cues from the culture too. "The score is up-beat and lively," said Rugg. "I was inspired not only by the sounds of old world Italy, but also by the wealth of Italian American artists and performers like Connie Francis, Lou Monte

and Sergio Franchi." he chuckled. "From kids to grandparents, everyone is going to enjoy this one," Bernardi interjected.

Featured in the performing company are Mary Mannix, Shelley Marsh Poggio, Jimmy Johansmeyer, Justin Rugg, Maria Berte, Jeremy Tortora, Cassie Gerace, Meg Cardi, Peyton Iott and Kiley Poggio.

The production features sets by Von Del Mar, sound design by Nathaniel Dobas, costumes by Johansmeyer with Jeff Therkelsen serving as production stage manager.

Pantochino Productions Inc., now in it's fourth season, is dedicated to bringing 100% original musical theatre to family audiences in the greater New Haven area.

Performances of "Cinderella Italiano!" are tonight, April 24 at 7:30pm, Saturday April 25 at 2 & 5:30pm, Sunday, April 26 at 2pm, Friday, May 1 at 7:30pm, Sunday May 3 at 2pm and Saturday May 9 at 2pm & 5:30pm. The Center for the Arts is located in Downtown Milford at 40 Railroad Avenue. Parking for all shows is free in the Milford train station lots. All seats are $18.00 when purchased online, or $20.00 at the door, if available. Please visit www.pantochino.com for tickets and full details.