Ryan Eggensperger to Lead Pantochino's CAST OF CINNAMON BEAR MUSICAL; Full Cast Announced

Award-winning Pantochino Productions Inc has announced casting for its upcoming new holiday musical, "The Great Cinnamon Bear Christmas Radio Show", which opens December 7th at the Center for the Arts in Milford, Connecticut.

"The Great Cinnamon Bear Christmas Radio Show" by Bert Bernardi and Justin Rugg is a joyous and heartwarming story set in a studio during the golden age of radio, where the story of a whimsical bear and his journey with two children in search of the star for their Christmas tree is being broadcast on the air. While the Cinnamon Bear and his friends encounter magical characters along their journey, the actors in the radio studio perform old-fashioned commercials and provide live sound effects and lots of fun. Meanwhile, the new radio station manager Mister Coot threatens to pull the plug on the proceedings. A surprising turn of events changes his mind and heart in this new holiday musical.

Pantochino is thrilled to welcome Ryan Eggensperger to the company, playing the adorable yet outspoken Cinnamon Bear. Eggensperger is a NYC stage and film actor with Connecticut roots, having been raised in Fairfield. Joining him in the 'on the air' adventure is Dani Corrigan of Fairfield as Shirley and Carter Popkin of Branford as Dicky. Jimmy Johansmeyer, Shelley Marsh Poggio, Dale Allen, Alex Koumbaros, Kylie Poggio and Rachael Dugas are cast as the radio show personalities and supply numerous character voices and sound effects. Jim Cooper will play the crotchety station manager Mr. Coot with Jenn Smith as Mrs. Guggenheim-Glampers. Composer Justin Rugg provides live music as Harry Hammond. Also in the cast are eight local young actresses; Claire Lagarde, Emma Fuchs, Claire Koppy, Olivia Foley, Roma Ubaldi, Hazel Foley, Thea Ryan and Hannah Kupson.

Mr. Bernardi will stage and direct with lights by Jeff Carr, costumes by Johansmeyer, sound by Nathaniel Dobas and sets by Von Del Mar.

The Great Cinnamon Bear Christmas Radio Show" plays December 7 - 29 with performances Saturdays at 2 & 5:30pm and Sundays at 2pm, and a special performance on Friday, December 20 at 7:30pm. The Center for the Arts is located at 40 Railroad Avenue in Downtown Milford. Tickets are $17. and available at www.pantochino.com.