All the world over, food and family, customs and traditions unite us. Generations of families lived in the same multi-level house, on the same street as aunts and uncles and cousins and gathered together for a feast after church at grandma’s house on Sundays. Tragically many of those sacred days are lost as people spread across the land and only get close on chosen holidays or, worse yet, on family reunions every few years.
Luckily in 1974, the Cimino family has not caught up with the changing times and practically live in each other's apron pockets, especially if it concerns the matriarch of the clan, Noni. Italians have long recognized these important factors and have melded them in every layer of lasagna and morsel of meatball. To learn about the importance of breaking bread and dipping it in gravy, the proper term for tomato sauce, come running to Pantochino Production of “Noni Cimino’s Kitchen” weekends until Sunday, October 27as this not-for-profit theater celebrates its 15th season.
This original production, created and performed seven years ago, was written by Pantochino’s Artistic Director Bert Bernardi for book and lyrics, with music by Justin Rigg, and costumes by Jimmy Johansmeyer and focuses on a wonderful and warm grandmother, affectionately called Noni by her close knit clan. It is played with heart and spirit by Donna Vinci who is at the center of this sweetheart of a tale. Excitement is in high gear when the unsuspecting Noni wins the opportunity to make her famous dish, chicken pizziaola, on national television with the master chef Graham Kerr, better known as the Galloping Gourmet.
Thanks to a letter penned by Noni’s daughter-in-law Lori (Valerie Solli), whose own recipe for gefilte fish was rejected, Noni is now the center of attention, with recognition she doesn’t want. Her daughters (Mary Mannix, Maria Berte and Shelley Marsh Poggio) as well as her granddaughters (Charlotte Thomas and Alice Saunders), nosy neighbor (Tracey Marble), her niece (Marlena Ascher) and son (Jimmy Johansmeyer) are all aflutter at the news.
Noni’s tiny kitchen, created in great detail by Von Del Mar, is soon stuffed like manicotti, with everyone who wants to be part of the excitement. When the television show’s lead man Jerry (Justin Rigg) arrives, the kitchen is in happy chaos as everyone wants to help. Noni even offers Jerry a slice of heaven, her special dessert bianco mangia, affectionately termed “blah,” an all white with cherries marvel of cake and creme.
Will Noni get her moment on the television screen? Will her chicken pizziaola become world famous? Be sure to eat a hearty helping of Italian fare so you won't starve as the daughters give cooking lessons on stage. The show is set up like a cabaret so you can bring food and drink to share at your table. For tickets ($35), go to www.pantochino.com. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m., with two Saturday matinees October 19 and 26 at 2 p.m. All shows take place at the Milford Center for the Arts, 40 Railroad Avenue South, Milford, on the east bound side of the Metro-North train station.
Come be Italian for at least a few hours and let Noni embrace you as one of the family as, to her, la familigia is everything. Bon appetito.
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