For a wonderful evening of Italian American theater - go see "The Sweepers."

Last night I joined a full house (and standing ovation) for a wonderful evening and theater experience at Urban Stages in Manhattan.

This is a delightful play about the hardships faced by three Italian American women during World War II and their contributions to the war effort while husbands and sons are away fighting for their 'new home' - America.

The play is performed in English, by a great cast, and includes a nice blend of Italian expressions, mannerisms and traditions that taps into common experiences of Italian American life and is sure to touch the audience.

I do not want to say too much - because the true delight comes through the experience of theater.   - Go See "The Sweepers" !!

Also, remember the Playwright - John Picardi - because (following this success) he is writing a ten cycle play series designed to represent the Italian American experience during the 20th Century.  
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"THE SWEEPERS"

October 19, 2002 - November 30, 2002

Set in Boston at the climax of World War II, this play plunges into the humorous and often touching world of three women, their families and their Italian American traditions, and the way war forever changed their lives -
By John Picardi.  Directed by Frances W. Hill.  (Tuesday - Sunday)

Urban Stages Theatre
259 West 30th Street at Eighth Avenue, Manhattan
Admission:  $35 (group discounts available)
Contact:  (212) 421-1380
www.urbanstages.org <http://www.urbanstages.org>
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"IN SPITE OF MYSELF" aka "DEEPER BY DEFAULT"

November 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24 and 25, 2002

One-woman show, by Antoinette LaVecchia, about the outrageous, hysterical
and, ultimately  moving struggle between an immigrant Italian mother and her
Americanized daughter.  

Their dialogue is interrupted by Italian American characters who indirectly and at times directly support and enlighten this specific yet universal mother/daughter relationship.

Urban Stages Theatre
259 West 30th Street at Eighth Avenue, Manhattan
Admission:  $15, $10
Contact:  (212) 421-1380
www.urbanstages.org <http://www.urbanstages.org>