New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
Troupe delivering holiday cheer via email
“Pantochino’s Christmas Countdown” is like a box of mystery chocolates, but without the calories.
A fun new way for families to celebrate Christmas, it features 24 days of musical comedy and theater-inspired entertainment. You experience it through a five-minute video sent via email each day, Dec. 1-24.
The “Christmas Countdown” is 100% safe since you can view it from home. Also, it gives everyone something to look forward to, because every email’s content is a surprise.
Viewers will enjoy holiday scenes, original songs and more from actors working with Pantochino Productions Inc., the award-winning professional theater based in Milford. Pantochino’s snappy sense of humor appeals to all ages.
“We are writing the material and coming up with funny stories and songs and clips,” said co-producer Bert Bernardi, in a phone chat. “We envision it being like the old (Rowan & Martin’s) ‘Laugh-In’ TV show with lots of quick one-liners and different images.”
Bernardi said he was moved to do this because he’s watched a lot of theater on the internet since the pandemic hit, and noticed how different it is from live theater. “Something about it doesn’t feel real,” he said. “It feels more like film than theater.”
With Pantochino’s focus on children and families, Bernardi was concerned some kids might not have the attention span to sit in front of a laptop or TV to watch an online musical. He figured,
“If we did a bunch of little things that provide a laugh or two during the holidays, it might be the perfect way to accomplish what we want,” so family members can enjoy the season together.
“There will be a lot of oneliner jokes and running gags that go through the series, so you follow a character and their experiences during the holidays . ... ” For example, there’s a team of singing sisters that routinely gets the words wrong.
Bernardi said much of it “is based on things that have happened to me or stories I’ve heard about Christmas — everything from elves taking pictures of Santa in the mall, to people having Christmas shopping nightmares . ... ”
Pantochino co-producer Jimmy Johansmeyer said the entertainment will be “fast, funny and full of holiday cheer — something to brighten everyone’s day.”
Many actors Pantochino works with have not performed since last Christmas, and are excited to be back, Bernardi said. “We are filming it very individually, bringing each one into the studio on a different day; we’ll shoot it and edit it together. They get to learn their lines, perform and make people happy. That’s what we like to do.”
Sign up your family for “Pantochino’s Christmas Countdown” or send it to someone as a present, he said. “It’s something that doesn’t take up the whole day, and makes a great gift.”
Of course some innovative technology was needed to pull off this project, but Bernardi said he’s been learning new skills since March, so it’s fun to have a chance to use them.
Also the “short-form writing” is enjoyable and “very freeing,” he said. He just comes up with four or five lines and a punchline. It allows for creativity, but he doesn’t have to worry about what happens in the end (like with a full-length play).
“We had to be inventive with the holidays this year, and being inventive is exactly what we do,” Bernardi said.
“Pantochino’s Christmas Countdown” begins Dec. 1; register for $10 at pantochino.com For more info, 203-843-0959 or email pantochino@gmail.com