Theater Review: 'Tiaras Over Teaneck' by Pantochino Productions

Review by Nancy Sasso Janis

“Tiaras Over Teaneck” is an original musical that closes out the current season for Pantochino Productions on the stage of the Milford Arts Council. Pantochino is celebrating “fifteen years of ridiculousness”

Bert Bernardi provided the book and lyrics for this rollicking musical, and resident music director Justin Rugg composed the music for the ten musical highlights. Bernardi directs the cast.

The first act includes some very fun duets for the four couples and a big act one finale, while the second features a big ballad for Beverly and a closer titled “Teaneck, New Jersey.” There are several New Jersey jokes that are pretty funny, even for those from Jersey.

This story is high energy and almost slapstick in tone that reminded me of the 1972 Ryan O’Neal/Barbra Streisand comedy “What’s Up Doc?” Both scripts contain several identical suitcases that are constantly being mixed up.

Mary Mannix (Dorothy in “Christmas in Oz”) takes on the big role of pageant mom Beverly Blithers. Sydney Yargeau, fresh off her role as the sister in “The Wedding Binder,” plays her daughter Bunianne.

The talented comedic actress Shelley Marsh Poggio plays the pageant mom Chartreuse Von Cleef in a spectacular coat, with Leanne Onofrio (the ensemble for “Sweeney Todd” at Downtown Cabaret) as her daughter Connie, both dressed in matching chartreuse (a shade of green) ensembles.

Maria Berte and Rachelle Ianniello are a riot as a pair of out of uniform nuns on their way to see the Pope, Sister Thomasina and Sister May Grace. Valerie Solli of Milford and Tracey Marble are also quite the pair as prostitutes Ruby Mirage and Lickety Smith with a spare key to the hotel room. The pair are decked out in plastic boots, clunky jewelry, loud prints and big hair. Katie Durham has the small role of the hotel maid Ida, but still manages to make us laugh every time she enters the room with another stack of towels.

Killian Meehan, a talented young performer, plays a convincing hippie that (not surprisingly) sings the lead on “High.” Jimmy Johansmeyer, who designed the fabulous costumes and wigs for the show, takes on the role of Dickson with composer Rugg, who has been teaching music for 13 years in the state, as his partner in crime Cox. The pair are a riotous comedic team that sings “The Piper Must Be Paid.”

It is clear that the story is set in the fall of 1965, both by the costumes and the references to the price of a pack of cigarettes. The Lux Carlyle Motel is located in Teaneck, New Jersey. The lighting designed by Jakob Kelsey that allows the audience to see what is happening in the cheap hotel room when the power goes out is clever. The setting was designed by Von Del Mar, with fine sound design by Tyler Kittleman.

The audience laughed aloud at the ridiculousness of it all, and cheered at the curtain call.

Performances of this fast-paced musical continue through May 11 at the MAC at the Milford Train Station. The musical is presented with one ten-minute intermission. The very funny script contains some mild profanity, and some adult themes, so this is not one for the kids. Cabaret seating/BYOB. Tickets only at www.pantochino.com.

Pantochino is participating in The Great Give May 7 - 8, a 36 hour online-giving event to support local nonprofits. Your gift is amplified with matching funds.

All photos by Paula Murphy