The Drayton Festival Theatre continues its season with Italian Funerals & Other Festive Occasions.
Themes of love and loss are explored from July 6 through 23.
“Italian Funerals & Other Festive Occasions is an inspiring and compelling play that is balanced with great comedic moments,” said artistic director Alex Mustakas.
“It’s humorous and touching, and demonstrates that the bonds of family are something that should be celebrated.”
It is family that matters in this story. Faced with the impending loss of his mother to dementia, a young man clings to memories of his Italian-American childhood to postpone urgent decisions of the present.
Inspired by the protagonists of great Italian operas like La Traviata, La Bohème, and Tosca, John embarks on a life-altering journey through his past where he is ultimately taught the acceptance of death as an affirmation of life.
Director Adam Furfaro leads the production.
The show stars W. Joseph Matheson as John, the contemplative character who shares funny and poignant anecdotes from his life growing up as a first-generation American in a stereotypical Italian family.
With Matheson are Michelle Fisk, as older sister Brigida, Kathleen Sheedy as John’s Mama, and Trek Buccino as Little Johnny. Angelo Celeste is John’s Father, and Brigida’s daughter, Andrea, is portrayed by Elisa Atristain. Gerry Mendicino, Anne Louise Bannon, Jill Diane Filion, Alan K. Sapp and Tim Koetting portray characters in the show.
Italian Funerals & Other Festive Occasions broke box office records at Philadelphia’s Walnut Street Theatre after its premiere in 1994.
“This play is as touching as a family reunion, filled with brilliant characters and a clever script that are sure to move audiences to laughter and tears,” said Mustakas.
It runs eight times a week. Tickets are available by calling the box office at 519-638-5555 or toll free 1-855-drayton (372-9866).
For more information visit draytonfestivaltheatre.com.
