SOOP THEATRE COMPANY (Paul Romanello, Artistic Director)
Presents
ITALIAN-AMERICAN CANTOS
by ANTHONY P. PENNINO
Directed by GREGORY SIMMONS
Starring
JOSEPH SCHOMMER JARROD PISTILLI PAUL ROMANELLO
KATHLEEN DeFAUW JOSEPH CAMARDELLA LISA BARNES
CHRISTINA ROMANELLO SUZANNE DI DONNA ANITA MICHAELS
RICHARD KOHN TOM WALKER
Scenic/Lighting Design: THOM WEAVER
Costume Design: LISA JAHN
Sound Design: MICHAEL GRAETZER
Stage Manager: SARAH STITH
The Abingdon Theatre Arts Complex, April 14 - May 8, 2004
Anthony P. Pennino does a fine job of depicting what it's like to be
Italian-American through his multi-generational play ITALIAN-AMERICAN
CANTOS. There are 27 cantos (songs or poems), which are about 10 too
many (not every loose end has to be tied up!), that advance the story
of a New Jersey family from 1981 through 1999, not necessarily in that
order. The plot focuses on the two different roads taken by teenagers
Vin (Jarrod Pistilli) and Gio (Joseph Schommer), strongly influenced
by both Italian roots and American dreams. Through stereotypical
vignettes, fantasies, operas, and scene snippets, each generation
struggles with its own identity problems, celebrating the highs and
grieving the lows. Enhanced by a background of Italian music, the
rituals of Catholicism, hints of mob connections, bountiful and ever-
present food, and Jersey accents, the pathos and humor flow freely.
The cast does an impressive job, and the multi-faceted story holds
your interest. Being half-Italian, I can attest that ITALIAN-AMERICAN
CANTOS is an accurate portrayal of the emotional roller coaster ride
that accompanies the culture. Although definitely a tad too long,
it's a ride worth taking.
- Laurie Lawson -