Theater Review: 'The Executioner’s Wife' by Pantochino Productions

Review by Nancy Sasso Janis

Pantochino’s latest ridiculously funny original musical is “The Executioner’s Wife,” continuing at the Milford Arts Council through May 12. The production of the new musical has book and lyrics by Bert Bernardi and music by Justin Rugg.

Bernardi, who is the recipient of the Connecticut Critics Circle Tom Killen Award for Outstanding Contribution to Theatre in Connecticut, directs his work and also has a cameo role. He and Jimmy Johansmeyer work together as producers, with Rugg serving as the music director.

Waiting at my table on opening weekend was a list of the show’s musical highlights. Therefore, I did not have to guess at the titles of my favorite songs. Act One opens with the duet “Good Morning, Dungwich,” which is followed by the peppy and delightful “The Magistrate’s Patter.” Act Two begins with a helpful “A Brief Recap,” continues with the brief “Drogo’s Prayer,” and closes with the rousing “Long Live Life.”

Mary Mannix of Killingworth, a founding member of Pantochino, takes on the title role and always brings out all of the comedy of her always-scheming character. Mannix sings the title song, “Amelia’s Plan,” and the appropriate “Heads Will Roll.” Rugg brings to rollicking life the role of Drogo, Amelia’s chronically unemployed husband.

The talented Killian Meehan manages to shine in this strong cast in the role of the kingdom’s Magistrate. I loved watching his reactions to the antics of the other characters.

The lovely Susan Kulp portrays the lusty Queen, who appropriately sings “My Lust.” Kulp recently portrayed Ariel in Seven Angels’ “Grumpy Old Men” and Snooky in “Away We Go” with Pantochino. Johansmeyer tops his royal garb with a crown to play the role of The King and gets to sing “The King’s Epiphany.”

Maria Berte, who possesses a great speaking voice and fun comedic timing, portrays the Queen’s Lady in Waiting, although Her Majesty can never remember her name. Berte was last seen as Mrs. Baker in “Christmas Cookies.” Katie Durham, the original Cheryl Spangles in “Glitz,” returns to Pantochino to portray Minerva.

Shelley Marsh Poggio, an established company member of Pantochino, takes on the role of Hildegund, the neighbor of Amelia and her husband. Poggio always makes the most of the comedy in her characters and I never tire of watching her facial expressions. Josiah Rowe, who has worked with Legacy Theatre and Landmark, portrays Hildegund’s husband Arvin in his Pantochino debut. “George Spelvin” steps up to play Cassoulet.

As for the always beautifully constructed costumes by Johansmeyer, I was impressed by all of them. While I admired the royal robes of the king and queen, my favorite overall ensemble was the light blue one worn by Meehan as the Magistrate. The resident costume designer teaches costume design to the lucky students at R.J. Kinsella Magnet School of the Performing Arts in Hartford and works as a freelance costume designer and actor. Martha Becker works as the costume assistant for this production.

The setting by Von Del Mar works well, nicely lit by Jeff Carr. Dan Poggio worked as the carpenter. Sound by Tyler Kittleman allowed both the performers and the recorded tracks to be heard.

I noticed that for this one the musical arrangements performed by Rugg were effective, but not especially easy to sing with. Many require the singers to memorize the melody and the tricky timing of their numbers, with little help from the accompaniment. Everyone in the cast made it sound easy to do so, and they nailed the required harmonies for the group numbers.

This is an especially clever and riotous script, albeit bawdy and cheeky, written expressly for open-minded adults. It is correctly recommended for ages 13 and up because of sexual innuendo and a bit of strong language. One patron described it as “Pantochino meets Monty Python” and I enjoyed every minute.

You can “laugh your head off” with the world premiere of Pantochino’s “The Executioner’s Wife” on stage at the Milford Arts Council (The MAC) through May 12. There is cabaret seating and patrons may BYOB and snacks on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2pm. Tickets available at www.pantochino.com.

(photos by Paula Murphy Pictures)

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theater reviews since 2012 as a way to support local venues, and she posts well over 100 reviews each year. She became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle in 2016. Her contributions of theatrical reviews, previews, and audition notices are posted in the Naugatuck Patch as well as the Patch sites closest to the venue. She is also a feature writer and theater reviewer for the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. Her weekly column IN THE WINGS and theater reviews appear in the Thursday Weekend section of the newspaper.
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