Raeleen Mautner, who won the 2017 Broadway World Connecticut Best Actress in a Musical Award for her portrayal of Noni in "Noni Cimino's Kitchen" returns to Pantochino Productions in the new musical "Italian Wedding Soup." The show opens Friday at the Center for the Arts in Downtown Milford.
In addition to her stage work, Raeleen holds a Ph.D. in Educational/Cognitive Psychology. Having taught Psychology (including Lifespan/Developmental) to university students for over 25 years, she became passionate about teaching global audiences how to apply positive psychology principles to enrich their lives; which she has since then done through her writing and speaking events. She has authored three books (currently working on her 4th), written numerous articles, produced and hosted a 7-year long radio show; and wrote two newspaper advice columns. Her work has been cited in major publications, such as Family Circle, First for Women, Seventeen, and Weight Watchers. Raeleen has been interviewed for numerous publications and on radio and TV for her expertise in improving body image, reducing stress, building personal resilience, adopting habits that lead to happiness and well-being, losing weight, and communicating more effectively. In other words, the psychology of well-being.
Mautner has worked in the field of research at both Yale University and the CT VA Healthcare System for the past several years. She has delivered presentations at the Yale University School of Medicine’s Program on Aging; The Yale-China Mayor’s Association, The RISTA heart study at Yale University, OSHER Lifelong Learning Institute; AIDA(American Italian Defense Association) in Chicago, IL; La Feltrinelli Bookstore in Rome, Italy, RJ Julia; and several OSIA and UNICO chapters throughout CT and NJ. She has appeared on the A&E Chanel with journalist Perri Peltz, and written articles for Psychology Today, the Chicago Tribune, The Italian Tribune, eDiets.com, and Quirks Market Research.
Onstage with Mautner are Pantochino company members including co-producer Jimmy Johansmeyer, Shelley Marsh Poggio, Mary Mannix, Maria Berte, Hannah Duffy, Brianna Joy Jackson, Emily Kopstein, Rugg and newcomers Pat Covino and Steven Azzaro. The new musical features sets by Von Del Mar, costumes by Johansmeyer, lighting by Jeff Carr, sound by Sara Brown and Alejandro Lopez will stage manage.
“Italian Wedding Soup” will be performed April 20 through May 6 with shows Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, and Sundays at 2pm. Tickets are $25. online, or $28. at the door. Advance tickets are strongly suggested. Seating is at tables and chairs and audiences are invited to bring their own food and drink to enjoy during the performance. The intimate Milford Center for the Arts is located at 40 Railroad Avenue South on the east bound side of the Metro-North tracks. Free parking is available in the train station lots. Further details are available at pantochino.com.