Pantochino Premieres PIRATE SCHMIRATE at Center for the Arts Tonight

Award-winning Pantochino Productions Inc. will debut it's new family musical comedy, "Pirate Schmirate!" tonight, March 21st at the Center for the Arts on Railroad Avenue in Downtown Milford.

"Pirate Schmirate!" is the story of three elegant but vein ladies cursed by a wicked sea hag to live as pirates. When their tiny ship, the Michele Lee, arrives on a tropical island, the bevy of beauties discover three handsome princes who have fallen under a similar curse. All six of them are in search of a magical unicorn who can provide them with potion to set everything right again. Their antics, foibles and foolery provide for a host of swashbuckling songs and situations, blunders, plunders and happy endings. The story spills from the stage into the aisles, allowing for some clever interactions with members of the audience, in the true spirit of the panto!

Featuring book and lyrics by Bert Bernardi and lyrics by Justin Rugg, this is the company's first no holds barred panto style musical. "We wanted to do what we do best-laugh out loud comedy," said Bernardi. "This show is chock full of jokes, puns, physical bits, and audience participation. It's a kitchen sink of comedy with laughter at every twist and turn," he added. Co-producer Jimmy Johansmeyer said "Our company name starts with 'Panto,' and it was important to show our audiences why. It's no wonder local theatre guru Chris Arnott calls Bernardi the camp king of Children's theate in Connecticut. This is what he does!"

"Pirate Schmirate" features sets by Von Del Mar, lighting by Timothy Cook, costumes by Johansmeyer, Sound by Nathaniel Dobas and will be staged and directed by Bernardi.

Performances of "Pirate Schmirate!" are Friday March 21 at 7:30pm, Saturday March 22 at 2 & 5:30pm, Sunday March 23 at 2pm, Saturday March 29 at 2 & 5:30pm and Sunday March 30 at 2pm. All seats are $17.00. Tickets are available online at www.pantochino.com.