Pantochino Opens THE LITTLE DOG LAUGHED in New Haven Tonight, 10/5

Pantochino Productions Inc. will present Douglas Carter Beane's deliciously biting comedy, "The Little Dog Laughed" opening tonight, October 5 at Arts Hall, 55 Audubon Street in New Haven. The acclaimed play marks the first of the company's new After-Dark series.

"The Little Dog Laughed" is a scathing comedy about Hollywood's dirtiest secrets. Everyone loves the down and dirty dish of the film industry. The Players include a screen idol in the closet, an ambitious male prostitute and his naïve girlfriend, and a brash, driven Hollywood agent who can spin anyone and anything. It was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Play in 2007.

The New Haven production features Melissa Macleod Herion as the agent Diane, Jimmy Johansmeyer as the movie star Mitchell, Justin Rugg as Alex and Ruth Kennedy as Ellen. The play is directed by Bert Bernardi with sets by Von Del Mar, lighting by Seth Harris, costumes by Mr. Johansmeyer and the original musical score by Lewis Finn.

Douglas Carter Beane's work includes As Bees in Honey Drown, The Country Club, Advice from a Caterpillar as well as the musicals Lysistrata Jones, Xanadu and Sister Act.

"The Little Dog Laughed" will be performed at Arts Hall in the Educational Center for the Arts located at 55 Audubon Street in New Haven. Performances are October 5 – 13, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm. Parking is available across from the theatre. Tickets are $25. and available online at www.pantochino.com and at the door.

Pictured: Justin Rugg and Jimmy Johansmeyer in "The Little Dog Laughed" Photo by Julia Gerace.