I like what I hear!!!
 

This is the second  Italian American Play Paul Romanello has directed, the first  was Italian American Reconciliation.

"Italian American Cantos" centers around two cousins and their respective families. Gio is from a "mixed" marriage; his Italian father (played by yours truly!) marries into the more traditional WASP culture.

Vin is from a more stereotypical Italian-American household. The boys' fathers are brothers and, as is probably already clear, have very different points of view about what it means to be an Italian-American, resulting in two very different approaches to success.

Frank Alighieri (Gio's father) is well educated, a Ph.D. and school psychologist. Vincenzo Alighieri (Vin's father) is a working man who took over the family shoe business and believes in angles and using whatever resources you have to get ahead.

The result of all of this becomes the journey of this play - what does it mean to be an American, an Italian-American, at the turn of the twentieth century? On the one hand there's Gio who is not accepted by one side of the family and not really understood by the other side - on the other hand there's Vin who is trying desperately to live up to his family's expectations.

How do you assimilate? How do you become this "American" and still honor, culturally, all that you bring with you?

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Italian-American Cantos--  Opened April 15th-

Off Off Broadway, Abingdon Theatre

'Italian-American Cantos,' by Anthony P. Pennino, is a look at what it means to be Italian-American in the modern world. The play follows the story of first cousins Gio and Vin as they grow from teenagers to men. How they change, how their families change and how the world around changes is all about our story. At times funny and touching, triumphant and tragic, 'Italian-American Cantos' goes beyond the Mafia stereotypes to bring audiences a rich, complicated and beautiful part of today's American culture. — TheaterSource

The New York Times: Theater: Italian-American Cantos
http://theater2.nytimes.com/gst/
theater/tdetails.html?id=1082105431205
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nytheatre voices
Interview with Paul Romanello
Italian American Cantos

Paul Romanello is an actor and director.  He is the founder and artistic director of SOOP Theatre Company.Paul  filed his cyberspace interview Thursday, April 15, 2004.

Italian American Cantos begins performances at the Abingdon Theatre Complex on April 14, 2004
 
 

How did SOOP (Seat of our Pants) Theatre Company, of which you are artistic director, become aware of Anthony Pennino and his new play, Italian American Cantos and why did you decide to produce it?

I have known Tony for almost eleven years, now. We actually met when I was working on his play, The Casual Comedy ( another wonderful piece of writing!) at the Clurman on Theatre Row. It was an amazing experience! I have worked on many new plays by various young authors throughout New York, and most of them (unfortunately) don't leave a mark - but I remembered Tony's very, very well!

I kept thinking that this is someone the world will be hearing from for many years to come. After that production, we went on to other projects - as is often the case- and hadn't seen each other for quite some time. When finally we met again, I decided not to let him get away so easily! I told him that I was resurrecting my Theatre Company and I was looking for a vehicle - so, write something for me.

Through several meetings (lunch was almost always a part of it!), we discussed the possibility of telling an Italian-American story. It seemed appropriate, since that's what we both knew and shared. We talked about how Italians were having an image perception problem, what with the huge success of things like the Sopranos ( which we love, by the way - but that's not all there is to this culture!). So, I guess you could say we set out to tell the anti-Soprano. While trying to figure out what point of view this story should take, Tony mentions that he has been sitting on this very personal story for a long time - very hesitant to tell it but maybe it was time, etc. - and here we are today!

Can you give us a brief synopsis of the play and why you feel it will appeal to today's audiences?

The play centers around two cousins and their respective families. Gio is from a "mixed" marriage; his Italian father (played by yours truly!) marries into the more traditional WASP culture. Vin is from a more stereotypical Italian-American household. The boys' fathers are brothers and, as is probably already clear, have very different points of view about what it means to be an Italian-American, resulting in two very different approaches to success. Frank Alighieri (Gio's father) is well educated, a Ph.D. and school psychologist. Vincenzo Alighieri (Vin's father) is a working man who took over the family shoe business and believes in angles and using whatever resources you have to get ahead.

The result of all of this becomes the journey of this play - what does it mean to be an American, an Italian-American, at the turn of the twentieth century? On the one hand there's Gio who is not accepted by one side of the family and not really understood by the other side - on the other hand there's Vin who is trying desperately to live up to his family's expectations. How do you assimilate? How do you become this "American" and still honor, culturally, all that you bring with you?

The appeal is massive! Although we speak of a very specific culture, this play really transcends type. I think these people could be any family trying to make this journey towards the "American Dream" - the details are probably different, but the challenge is ultimately the same one. I think the message is a timely one, given the deconstruction of the family that seems to me to be so prevalent in our society of late. Those ties (or lack thereof) are so crucial to who we will become. Whether we like it or not, they will dictate our journey and I think more people need to be aware of that.

How closely did you work with Tony as the play was cast and rehearsed and what input did both you as artistic director and he as playwright have in the process?

Tony and I, together with the remarkable Gregory Simmons (our Director), worked very closely together on almost every aspect of this project. This piece is about family, so there had to be something familial about the entire process. We all had a voice (and very often used it!) - whether it had to do with casting , rewrites or even the rehearsal process.

It was a very open and nurturing experience and continues to be so in performance. Although there were never any huge disagreements, there were those times when Tony might have seen it one way and I would take a stand in another way, prompting Tony to just roll his eyes at me, whereby Greg, ever the tactician, would then make us realize that we all see it the same way! Just like brothers, right?

How do you feel about this being partly autobiographical, that is what does this add to the piece, and how does such a piece fit into the mission of your company?

Well, the fact that this is autobiographical in nature is what makes this project such a blessing! Tony has truly opened his heart and soul to the world - what an amazing risk for him and honor for us! As an actor, I dream about the Theatre being like this always - but, more often than not, it's just not so.

This company was founded with the idea that it was a place for actors, designers, technicians, etc. who took their skills seriously to come and do great work, with the understanding that the company would provide the necessary tools (i.e.: publicity, promotional materials, legitimate venue, etc.) to help facilitate the "business" side of things. With that in mind, the ideal vehicle would be the one that doesn't require all energies focused on whether or not it even works as a play! Italian American Cantos was the perfect fit for us.

When something is that organic, it just inspires everyone around it. The cast - from the beginning - could feel the difference; it seemed to come so naturally and easily for everyone. Also, because this is so personal, Tony didn't have to endow it or color it in any way. He tells it very simply, driving it forward almost seamlessly - it's a real pleasure to work like this.

I see that several members of the production including Tony worked together on other Neighborhood Playhouse productions (Atrain, StatinIslandFerry plays). How did these experiences prepare you or influence this new production?

The Atrain Plays at The Neighborhood Playhouse, which is this 24 hour incredible train-riding, playwriting, directing, acting experience is actually the reason we found each other again. I think I mentioned earlier that Tony and I hadn't seen each other for quite a while after our first project together.

Well, I was brought in to The Atrain project as a Director in September of 2002 and upon reading the contact sheet to see who else was involved, I came across Tony's name on the Playwright list. I remember saying "Tony Pennino - I know that guy!!", the rest is history. What's really amazing is that many of the people involved in this came from there as well. That is where I first had the privilege of experiencing the work of one Mr. Gregory Simmons - I knew immediately that we would be working together soon! Two of our actors (besides me!) , Lisa Barnes and Christina Romanello, came from there as well as our Stage Manager, Sarah Stith. I think it's wonderful and rare when the magic of one project can become the groundwork for another!

Could you give us a bit of background on your theatre company, its founding, mission, etc., and, in particular what does SOOP mean?

Ah, yes - SOOP - It actually stands for Seat Of Our Pants, which is literally what we are flying by most of the time! I started this company about five and a half years ago, really out of frustration as an actor and director in this business. I was sort of fed up with the "Oh you are so wonderful, but a real specific type - let me know when you're in something", to which they almost never came! So, I decided the only way I'm going to be happy is to create the work myself ( the fact that I'm a control freak had nothing to do with it!). Fortunately, things were going better for my wife and I, financially speaking , so we decided - since we could afford to do it right - that it was time..... Hence the birth of SOOP.  After our first production (oddly enough, Shanley's Italian American Reconciliation) and with the birth of our third child, the company went on the back-burner for a while - but once my daughter started pre-school, we came back with a vengeance! I ran into Tony and, well, you know the rest.

Where does SOOP Theatre Company and Italian American Cantos go from here? Will we see other productions in the near future?

I certainly hope so!! We are prodding along slowly, but efficiently. We've incorporated and we are actively seeking a Board of Directors, so, onward and upward! My ideal season would be three to four productions a year, focusing on new playwrights twice and the classics twice (something traditionally classic as well as a classic American Playwright).

As far as Italian   American Cantos is concerned, I envision wonderful things. I think the play is an amazing piece of work, certainly having the potential to move - but, at the risk of putting the cart before the horse, we'll just go ahead and have an amazing four weeks and then - to quote Mr. Pennino's wonderful play- "we'll see what there is to see"!
 

italian american cantos

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