Pantochino Productions Inc., a professional non-profit theater company for family audiences, will open holiday musical “Christmas at Santa Claus Station” on Friday, Dec. 12, at the Center for the Arts in Downtown Milford. It will play weekend performances through Dec. 28.
“Christmas at Santa Claus Station” is a lively, fun-filled story about an enchanting train depot located halfway between the North Pole and the rest of the world. When Santa, Mrs. Claus, the elves and a stowaway girl from the city find themselves stranded at the station, a race against time begins to fix the out-of-order Holiday Express train and make it home before Christmas Eve. The story and lyrics are by Bert Bernardi with music by Justin Rugg.
“It’s the merriest musical of the season,” said co-producer Jimmy Johansmeyer. “The show is chock full of wonderful characters, memorable songs and lots of surprises,” he added.
Bernardi is excited to present the show at the Center for the Arts as the building is a former train depot. “It’s the perfect location for this charming and heartwarming story,” he said.
“And it will be transformed with all kinds of decorations, trees, lights and holiday cheer,” added Johansmeyer.
Featured in the performing company are George McTyre, Shelley Marsh Poggio, Rachael Dugas, Justin Rugg, Dale Allen, Jimmy Johansmeyer, Dani Corrigan, Jeremy Tortora, Ashley Lord, Cassie Gerace, Kylie Poggio, Olivia Foley, Thea Ryan, Meg Cardi, Hannah Kupson and Tyler Panek.
The production will feature sets by Von Del Mar, lighting by Jeff Carr, sound by Nathaniel Dobas and costumes by Johansmeyer, with Jeff Therkleson serving as production stage manager.
Pantochino Productions Inc., now in its fourth season, is dedicated to bringing 100% original musical theater to family audiences in the greater New Haven area.
Performances of “Christmas at Santa Claus Station” are Friday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 13 at 2 and 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 15, at 2 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 20 at 2 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 21 at 2 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 28 at 2 p.m.
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 when purchased online, or $20 at the door, if available.
Visit pantochino.com for tickets and full details.