Every family wants the best for its members Whether it’s a baptism or a bris, a bar mitzvah or a betrothal, the celebration must be memorable. What happens, however, when the Italian clan of Antoneliis clashes head first with the Jewish mishpacah of Levis, both wanting a wedding at the premier location, the Casa Monticello in Framingham, Massachusetts, on the same day?
You’ve heard of the Hatfields and the McCoys? Well, they can move over and let Mary Cimino Antonelli, a feisty Shelley Marsh Poggio, go ten rounds with Valerie Solli’s determined Miriam Silverstein Levi for who gets the coveted ballroom for the nuptials. You can clearly put the blame on Tony Panatone, a suave fast talking Jimmy Johansmeyer, for double booking the important sought after date, time and place.
Consider yourself formally invited to “Italian Wedding Soup,” an original musical courtesy of Bert Bernardi for book, music by Justin Rugg and 1980’s costumes by Jimmy Johansmeyer, a Pantochino Production at the Milford Center for the Arts, 40 Railroad Avenue South, Milford weekends until Sunday, May 6.
Bernadette Antonelli, a perky Mary Mannix, is getting married, even though her groom is currently AWOL. Michael Levi, a supportive Justin Rugg, is also awaiting his bride-to-be Maureen, to tie the matrimonial knot. The papas Alonzo (Steven Azzaro) and Saul (George Spelvin) are reluctantly exercising their checkbooks, while grandmas Noni (Raeleen Mautner) and Esther (Pat Covino) are baking cookies and testing the party menu.
While the tempers flair and each family tries to win the top billing, the caterer’s manager Helen, an accommodating Maria Berte, tries to satisfy all the requests for tablecloths and centerpieces and keep the natives calm. Will they be able to resolve the conflict? Will anyone get married on the fateful day? How can the pot of wedding soup be the unlikely solution to the conflict? Others in the cast include Brianna Jackson, Emily Kopstein and Hannah Duffy. Bert Bernardi is the sturdy director who will be sure that “all’s well that ends well.”
For tickets ($28 at the door. $25 online), go online to
www.pantochino.com. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.and Sunday at 2 p.m. The show is cabaret style so bring goodies to share at your table.
Remember the Great Give on May 1 and 2 to benefit all the good works that Pantochino Productions provides. To vote, go to
TheGreatGive.org. Banks America is providing matching grants to participating arts organizations.
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