Pantochino Productions, a professional theatre company specializing in family theatre, debuts its new Teen theatre program with Godspell Jr. on Feb. 28 at St. Ann Church Parish Hall in Milford.
Pantochino Teen Theatre was created to give teen actors a chance to learn, work and grow in a professional environment outside of school.
Pantochino's producers Bert Bernardi and Jimmy Johansmeyer lead the program, with resident musical director Justin Rugg. The show features 16 young actors from New Haven and Fairfield counties.
“We are thrilled to welcome these talented actors who are traveling to us from all over the area including Fairfield, Trumbull, Easton and as far north as Durham,” said Johansmeyer. “They have been working hard and are full of energy and excitement.”
Director Bernardi has a long connection with the show, having performed and directed the piece in professional settings.
“At age 13, Godspell was the first professional musical I ever saw,” Bernardi said. “After seeing the first national company in Boston, I realized musical theatre was a career choice. This seems to be the perfect way to begin our Teen Theatre program.”
Godspell Jr. is based on Godspell, originally conceived and directed by John-Michael Tebelak with music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. It is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
Performances of Pantochino Teen Theatre's Godspell Jr. will take place on Friday, Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, March 1 at 2 p.m. at St. Ann Parish Hall, 501 Naugatuck Avenue.
Reservations are suggested and available by calling 203-937-6206. For information go to pantochino.com.