HomeMy WebLinkAboutLakeshore Advance, 2011-08-03, Page 2120 Lakeshore Advance • Wednesday, August 3, 2011
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Italian Funerals and Other Festival Occasions
intense and comical at Huron Country Playhouse
Lakeshore Advance staff
Over the course of the next two
weeks, theatregoers will experience
an unforgettable taste of Italy at the
Huron Country Playhouse's brand
new Playhouse 11 stage as the life -
affirming comedy Itallan Funerals &
Other Festive Occasions entertains
audiences now though Aug lith.
Big, sprawling, and as warm-
hearted as a touching family reunion,
Italian Funerals & Other Festive Occa-
sions focuses on the life story of John
Masiello, a first generation Italian -
American pian, as he recounts the
colourful memories from his child-
hood in an effort to come to terms
with the impending loss of his mother
to dementia, Inspired by the protago-
nists of great Italian operas like 1.a
Traviata, La Boheme, and 'Posen, John
embarks on a life -altering journey
that ultimately teaches acceptance of
death as an affirmation of life.
Narrated by John, this moving play
winds through time as he is living it or
as a spectator to the past. Clever use
of the set and stage lighting distin-
guish the rooted story in 1984 apart
from John's memories.
Embraced by theatregoers, Italian
Funerals & Other Festive Occasions
broke box office records at Philidel-
phia's Walnut Street Theatre after its
premiere in 1994. With its heart -
WEDDING
ANNOUNCEMENT
Prang - Mason
Edward & Carol Prang
along with
Douglas & 1)ctxnrah Mason
Would like to announce the
forthcoming marriage
of their children
Tanya Elizabeth
Tyler Courtley
On Saturday, August 6,20 1 1
Dashwood Community ('entre
warming message and hilarious
reflections on life's everyday strug-
gles, and the ultimate triumphs of
love and family, Italian Funerals &
Other Festive Occasions speaks to all
generations of theatregoers.
With an impressive list of past Dray-
ton Entertainment credits to his
name, Director Adam Furfaro directs
this production with care - carefully
striking an equal balance between the
colliding elements of pathos and
humour. In doing so, he brings win-
ning performances out of a stellar
cast.
"Italian Funerals & Other Festive
Occasions features a skilled cast of
veteran actors who captivate the audi-
ence from start to finish through their
funny and poignant performances,"
says Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director
of Drayton Entertainment.
W. Joseph Matheson is mesmeriz-
ing in his portrayal of a middle-aged
man reminiscing on the highs and
lows of his past. Matheson evokes
passion, intelligence and humour
with undeniable stage presence. Por-
traying John as a sensitive child with a
vivid imagination is Trek Buccino. A
talented young actor, Buccino com-
plements a seasoned cast, Matheson
and Buccino play off one another
beautifully to convey a man who was
clearly once a shy boy of 10 years old.
Kathleen Sheehy gives an outstand-
ing performance as John's Mama.
From her episodes with dementia to
the lucid recollections, Sheehy is
remarkably compelling on stage as a
woman who gradually becomes lost
to her past, Angelo Celeste embodies
I MONA & VERN
ALDERDICE
will be
80 THIS ME
Please join our
Family In Celebrating
SAT, AUG. 20, 2011
1:30 - 4:00 pm
VARNA COAX
Varna, Ontario
In lieu of gifts, we ask that you give a
donation to your local
Community Food Bank,
warmth and decency as John's Dad, a
simple barber whose family is every-
thing to him. Sheehy and Celeste have
a wonderful chemistry on stage and
convey a couple truly in love.
Michelle Fisk tackles the difficult
role of John's stoic older sister Brigida.
As the cornerstone that carries
weight of the family's trials and tribe
Iations, Fisk delivers a magnetic per-
formance. Elisa Atristain also gives a
consummate portrayal of Brigida's
daughter Andrea, a woman who
masks her vulnerability through a
tough exterior. Atristain successfully
balances her character's devotion to
the family with her need for
independence.
Nada llumsi adds abundant levity
to this story as the Grandmother who
rules the family through intimidation.
While she is utterly feared by Little
Johnny, her character Is also respected
by the family and neighbours.
Gerry Mendicino gives a vibrant
portrayal of John's Uncle Dom, a ded-
icated family man who also possesses
a dark side that stems from an obscure
life of crime. Anne Louise Bannon is
Aunt Mary, Dom's flamboyant wife.
Bannon is a perfect match for Mendi-
cino, as they compete for Little John-
ny's affection.
Rounding out this impressive cast is
Jill Diane Filion as the good-natured
yet superstitious neighbour who is
admired for her sweet singing voice.
Alan K. Sapp creates a charismatic
and imposing presence as Chief
Townsend, trusted friend and confi-
dante to John's Dad and 'Tina Koetting
delivers a dynamic performance as
the Man on Hester Street, a powerful
Mafia I)on who is surprisingly sympa-
thetic in nature.
Set and Lighting Design by Stephen
Regenstein creates the comfortable
feel of the family home through each
nostalgic scene. 'Ihe Costume Design
by Nicole I)el Cul perfectly conveys
the era and Italian -American setting
of the production.
Italian Funerals & Other Festive
Occasions plays for two weeks only
July 27th through August 6th. 'Pickets
may be purchased by calling the Box
Office: (519) 238-6000 or toll free
1-855-drayton (372-9866). To find out
more information about the show and
the 2011 season, please visit www
huroncountryplayhouse.c.om.
Kineto Theatre
Forest
"TRANSFORMERS: (DARK OF THE MOON"
Rating: (Violence)
August S, 6, 7 & 6th
Starting: Shia LaBsout,
Rosie Huntington-Whlllsy,lyreee Gibson
A I' ��