Surf's Up with Pantochino Teen Theatre's Go Go Beach

Pantochino Teen Theatre will present the pop musical fable, “Go Go Beach” by John Wimbs, Michael Shaieb and Brent Lord for three performances  February 24 & 25 at the Milford Center for the Arts on Railroad Avenue in Downtown Milford. The show features twenty-nine local young actors from 12 to 17 years old in a production sponsored by The Milford Bank.

With book and lyrics by John Wimbs and music by Michael Shaieb and Brent Lord, “Go Go Beach” was featured in the New York Musical Theatre Festival in 2006 and an award-winner of Toronto’s SummerWorks Festival. “We’re so excited to share this musical fable about the shift in consciousness in America in the mid-sixties,” said director Bert Bernardi. “It’s more than just a beach party movie parody,” he added.  “Our Teen Theatre is one of our most popular programs and continues to grow and evolve—we’ve had to add an extra performance of “Go Go Beach” due to ticket demand.”

“Go Go Beach” is a coming-of-age story about a surfer, his girlfriend, a runaway teen pop star, and a flower child who helps him find the true meaning of love. The musical is produced through special arrangements with Theatrical Rights Worldwide.

Pantochino Teen Theatre allows young actors the opportunity to work with professional directors and designers outside the academic setting, on a schedule matching that of professional theatre companies. “Go Go Beach” has been cast, learned and rehearsed in an immersive ten rehearsals. Bernardi directs the show with Justin Rugg as musical director and Becki Walter, choreographer. The design team includes Jimmy Johansmeyer (costumes), David Sexton (lighting), Von Del Mar (sets) and Sara Brown (sound). The cast includes young actors from Milford, Monroe, Fairfield, Stratford, Shelton, Bethany, Orange and Branford.

Performances of “Go Go Beach” are Saturday, February 24 at 5:30 & 8pm and  Sunday, February 25 at 2pm. All tickets are $10. and available online at www.pantochino.com.