It's essentially the story of two Italian New Yorkers, best friends helping each other through the minefield of love, each trying to figure out what it means to be a man, particularly when it comes to women. Convincing and Compelling , Brash but Likeable 

Review: 'Italian-American Reconciliation' Brash but Likeable

Greenville News, NC
By Amy Clarke
April 19, 2009

Veterans and journeymen of the Warehouse Theatre have pulled together a convincing and compelling performance of "Italian-American Reconciliation."

It's essentially the story of two Italian New Yorkers, best friends helping each other through the minefield of love, each trying to figure out what it means to be a man, particularly when it comes to women.

The frustration of the endless battle of the sexes is evident, particularly in the juxtaposition between Huey's pining lovesickness for his ex-wife and Aldo's jaded perspective. "I am sick from being a man,"Aldo says at one point.

The connection between the friends, Aldo and Huey, is at the heart of the play. The show's playbill recounts an interview with the playwright, John Patrick Shanley, in which he said, "My experience of Italian men is they bleed into each other's soup."

And while Andy Croston and Rick Connor adeptly portrayed the slightly manic Aldo and the edgy Huey, the connection between them wasn't all it could be.

The metaphorical (and stage) stars came out for Anne Tromsness, though, in her role as Janice, Huey's straight-talking, gun-toting ex-wife. From the cut of her eyes to the tenor of her voice, Tromsness nailed the role of the woman who is part loathsome, part loveable and all brass.

With lighthearted moments and pensive moments and downright startling moments,"Italian-American Reconciliation" is a delightful trip through a place where it's all new and all still eerily familiar.

The play continues Saturdays and Sundays through May 2. Call 235-6948.

http://www.greenvilleonline.com/article/20090419/ENT/904190330/1056
 

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