Most young people anxious to run away from home, to escape an overprotective parent, would crave a journey to the circus. Not Lad from Long Island. He is heading straight for the Big Apple and Times Square. In other words, he’s got his compass set for New York City and the fame and fortune he is sure is awaiting him there. Weekends until Sunday, May 10 let the clever folks at Pantochino Productions guide you and Lad on a mighty adventure, with fun book and lyrics by Bert Bernardi, disco music by Justin Rugg, snazzy costumes by Jimmy Johansmeyer and sparkling set by Von Del Mar. Get ready to take Manhattan by storm as dedicated and determined Chad Celini’s Lad becomes a modern day Aladdin.
While Lad gets his “Empire State of Mind” in place, he meets a group of strangers who may or may not be helpful to him on his quest for fame. First up are a trio of divas, Deidre, Deedee and Dusty, Shelley Marsh Poggio, Mary Mannix and Rachelle Ianniello, who are full of friendly advice for the newcomer. Next up is a tall stranger, in the guise of a all knowing gent, Jimmy Johansmeyer, who may or may not have a few dozen tricks up his sleeves so Lad should be on his guard. When he reveals his name is Rulalenska, you know he has some big altered motives for mischief.
Adding to the confusion is the arrival of Lad’s mom, Valerie Loomis, who is frantically looking for her missing son and Lad’s discovery of a disco magic stick capable of granting him three wishes. Remember this is Aladdin. Keep your eye out for clam rolls, tartar sauce, fudge ripple ice cream, a Cave of Wonders, a search for Frank Sinatra and Lad’s difficult decision on what to wish for next. To add to the glorious confusion, along comes Leanne Onofrio’s Olivia and Justin Rugg’s Norris, her father, who clearly have romance on their minds. Top them off with a bigger than life appearance of Della, short for Delicatessen, in the spectacular and tasty pose of Victoria Sautee, who is laugh out loud charming.
What will happen next? Will mom find her missing son? Will Lad use his view maker to find his dreams of fame, fortune and love? Will Lad prove the strange man is a phony? Will the disco magic stick work? Come with snacks to share at your cabaret table as you discover all the pertinent answers.
Bert Bernardi directs this great foray into the mysteries of the Big Apple.
For tickets ($35), call Pantochino Productions, 40 Railroad Avenue, Milford at 203-843-0959 or online at www.pantochino.com. It is at the MAC, The Milford Arts Council at the railroad station. Free parking is available. The Great Give to help the theatre with matching funds is May 6-7 for 36 hours.
Pack a picnic basket and come help Lad make all his wishes come true. Adventure awaits!
