Made in Italy

Postcard Review by Caroline Russell-King

Show – Made in Italy

Playwright – Farren Timoteo

Production Company/Theatre space – Theatre Calgary & Alberta Theatre Projects, Martha Cohen Theatre, Werklund Centre.

Length – 2 ACT (2 hours 10 minutes – one intermission)

Genre/s – Comedy with music.

Premise – In this intergenerational misunderstanding and coming-of-age story, a son reconciles what it means to respect his father and his heritage; combat bullying by praying; building muscles; dressing sharply; taking the advice from his cousin; fighting; drinking; and singing,

Why this play? Why now? –  This award-winning piece has successfully had over 300 performances in six theatres including Mirvish in Toronto.

Curiosities – I wondered if I would enjoy it as much the second time around – I did.

Notable Moment – So many to choose from - favourites were with Tony Manero, Rocky Balboa, and Vinnie Barbarino.

Notable writing – This show taps into nostalgia without being maudlin and laughs without being cheesy. Timoteo masterfully invents iconic moments with images from popular culture in a well-worn theme but in a way that makes it fresh. This is a feat.

Notable performances – The character wants family to eat around the table but it’s the actor who knows how to have the audience eating out of his hand. There’s a reason Farren Timoteo won The Calgary Theatre Critics’ Award, Betty Mitchell Theatre Award, Jessie Richardson Award, and Sterling Award. He’s just that good. Politics aside, he should be in New York.

Notable design/Production – Cory Sincennes provides the perfect back drop augmented with a very savvy lighting design by Celeste English. Cindy Wiebe’s costumes get their own laughs.

Notable direction – Daryl Cloran did a superb job in what I can imagine was a fun and fruitful  collaboration.

One reason to see this show – This show was brought back for a second time because of audience demand and word of mouth. The tickets are Gonna Fly Now. Get yours.