The Giulio Gari Foundation Presents Winners of the 2018 International Vocal Competition

On the afternoon of Sunday, October 21st, The Giulio Gari Foundation presented the Winners of the 2018 International Vocal Competition. The gala event was held at the famed New York Athletic Club in New York City across from the now autumnal Central Park.

Giulio Gari as Calaf in Puccini’s
Turandot

The colorful and informative program reminded us that the mission of the Giulio Gari Foundation is to discover and encourage young classical singers of the highest quality. They received their awards at the annual Gala Winner Concert and dinner which introduces them not only to the public but to the professional world of opera and classical music. Creating the Giulio Gari Foundation was the inspiration of Stephen De Maio and Licia Albanese who admired Giulio Gari (1909-1996) not only as an artist but as a human being and friend. His years as a lead tenor was at the New York City Opera (1945-1953) and the Metropolitan Opera (1953-1961). His generous spirit lives on with his wife Gloria Gari and family, all of whom share the glory of his legacy by helping young singers perform for a public that thirsts for the beauty they offer. Thanks to the Giulio Gari Foundation there will be no roses blooming in the desert unknown and sight unseen.

Scott Barnes, SeokJong Baek, Dangelo Diaz, Jaeman Yoon, Ken Benson, Marlen Nahhas, Helena Brown, Jana McIntyre, Cesar Delgado, Kidon Choi, Hubert Zapiór. Photo by Judy Pantano

The concert began hosted by Ken Benson of Columbia Artists Management and the Met Opera broadcasts and co-hosted by Scott Barnes, Broadway expert, director, judge and coach. Brian Kellow who passed away on July 22nd of brain cancer was married to Scott Barnes and both Benson and Barnes paid tribute to Brian’s brilliance as a writer, opera host and warmth as a human being. Scott was an erudite host and found strength in the ever loving spirit of Brian Kellow. There is a special section in the program booklet “In Memoriam” dedicated to Brian Kellow with touching photos of Brian and Scott.

The program began with “Ah! Je ris de me voir…” from Gounod’s Faust sung by soprano Marlen Nahhas. Ms. Nahhas soaring soprano had a safe, secure technique and a strong top. It whetted the appetite to hear her in other repertoire like a treasure chest submerged and full of mystery. A very fine job! The award was given by Barry Schenk.

“Largo al factotum” followed from Rossini’s Il barbiere di Siviglia and was sung by baritone SeokJong Baek. Mr. Baek had a range that allowed him to take the liberties that iconic baritone Lawrence Tibbett had at his disposal: stunning cadenzas, roulades, and flourishes that energized this great aria to special heights. Ironically Tibbett (1896-1960) sang the Barber only once in his entire career. Mr. Baek sang it with ringing freedom, stratospheric highs, dazzling scales, and “Italianate” abandon. Tibbett would have been proud and so was I! The award was given by Louise Simmons and Robert Funck.

(I sang this aria as a youngster at age 13 and was a winner on the Ted Mack Amateur Hour in 1949. I was also a protege of bandleader legend Paul Whiteman (The American Idol) way back then. I learned it phonetically and heard it on record by the great American baritone, Lawrence Tibbett.)

Soprano Jana McIntyre was next with “O zittre nicht, mein lieber Sohn” from W.A. Mozart’s Die Zauberflote. It evolved into a spinning wheel of coloratura, power, elocution and dynamic structure that made us see the essence of the divine Mozart. The award was given by Frank DeRosa in memory of Lucia DeRosa.

Tenor Dangelo Diaz sang “Pourquoi me réveiller” from Werther by Massenet. Mr. Diaz has a pleasing voice, one that wants it to be less laid back in lyricism and more in impassioned thrust. I sensed like a skier, he was mulling the next climb rather than just overtaking it with seeming ease. I have heard Franco Corelli and Alfredo Kraus, differing voices with different techniques sing the heck out of it with both lyrical and dramatic intensity. A little more intensity and Diaz can be listed in that unrivaled list of Werther’s. He’s got the goods – just get out of the woods. His award was given by Jack and Anna LaPadula in memory of Lucia DeRosa. Any relation to famed accordionist Johnny LaPadula – family friends from long ago?

Another sampling from Massenet was “Pleurez! pleurez mes yeux!” from Le Cid sung by Helena Brown. Her burnished mellow soprano had power, fury, allure and an inner mezzo soprano. The great American soprano, Rosa Ponselle had mezzo like darkness and sang Carmen at the end of her career. I kept thinking Amneris more than Aida. Time will tell! Helena Brown is a force of nature. The award was given by Joyce Greenberg.

“Nemico della patria” from Andrea Chénier by Giordano followed. Jaeman Yoon has a strong secure baritone and worked hard to capture the Italianate brio that goes with this role.The immortal Leonard Warren studied with legendary baritone Giuseppe De Luca and the Bronx born Warren, captured the Italianate style. Dr. Philip Frezzo gave the award.

“No puede ser” from La tabernera del puerto by Sorozabal was sung by tenor Cesar Delgado. This Zarzuela piece is a “must” for high Spanish tenors and can capture one’s heart by its blazing intensity. Surprisingly it is one of Placido Domingo’s best encores and always gets a rousing roaring reception. Mr. Delgado has some burnished low tones and throbbing high tones. He aimed for “rapid execution” at the finale but slightly missed the mark. Some of his extra “highs” were a surprise and I long to hear him in a concert of Spanish favorites. Like the great Alfredo Kraus, he has the goods. His award was given by Scott Barnes in memory of Brian Kellow.

Next was Verdi and from Rigoletto, “Cortigiani, vil razza dannata” sung by Kidon Choi whose fulsome baritone had soothing diminuendos, soaring high notes, strong legato phrasing, evoking sympathy and giving thrills. His musicality allowed the Italian phrasing and vocal flourishes to take over and the final “Pieta” was vivid both as a work by Michelangelo and a phrase by Choi. It was very well done. Bravo! The award was given by the Lissner Charitable Fund and was presented by the impeccable Karl Michaelis.

The final selection by first prize winner Hubert Zapiór was “Or dove fuggo io mai?”… “Ah per sempre” from I Puritani. His well-placed baritone negotiated the Bellinian line with the proper flourishes and sad momentum. His cadenzas and legato were flawless and just a tad more melancholy would create the perfect cocktail  – the Bellini! Bravo! The award was given by Max Kade Foundation Dr. Lya Friedrich Pfeifer, President.

Sopranos Sharon Sweet, Carol Vaness &
Tenor Giuseppe Filianoti
Photo by Judy Pantano

The brilliant accompanist was Jonathan Kelly from the Metropolitan Opera. His pianistic virtuosity was like a heavenly orchestra!

In between the singers’ performances, three great artists were honored. Soprano Sharon Sweet looking as lovely as she did when I heard her Leonora at her Metropolitan Opera debut in 1990. I thought to myself, Ms. Sweet is in the great line of Verdi sopranos, Ponselle, Milanov, and Sweet. It was so nice to meet and greet Sharon Sweet and her husband John Sweet. She is a Professor of Voice at Westminster College in Princeton, New Jersey. Ms. Sweet accepted her award with pride and humility, advised the youngsters to never lose hope and to enjoy the musical journey. Sharon Sweet showed us all her persistence, endurance and a sense of vibrant family life with a delightful sense of humor.

Carol Vaness, Metropolitan Opera and international soprano I saw and heard in Tosca with Luciano Pavarotti. Her 30-year career was a wonder to behold. She now teaches and mentors a new generation of singers and is as vital and vibrant as one can be at the Jacob School of Music at Indiana University.

Giuseppe Filianoti has been a noteworthy tenor since his debut in 1998. I remember his brilliant Edgardo in Lucia at the Metropolitan Opera in 2005, a sweet lyric voice with dramatic color. It was like a Mario del Monaco surrounding a honeyed tone. He still sings, makes CD’s and gives master classes and is youthful and pleasant to talk to.

Sopranos Carol Vaness & Diana Soviero &
Mezzo Jane Shaulis. Photo by Judy Pantano

The souvenir program had a beautiful poetic tribute to the late  Glen Gary who was “a Prince of Players” by Steve De Maio.


Soprano Elaine Malbin, Maestro Eve Queler,
Tenor Giuseppe Filianoti & Sachi Liebergesell. Photo by Judy Pantano

The concert was followed by a brief fascinating film, edited and compiled by opera lecturer Lou Barella, with footage by Glen Robert Gary and Ron Harris. Some of the highlights of the film showed the great basso Jerome Hines singing “Ol’ Man River,” magnificently in his old age. Soprano Elinor Ross singing a glorious Gershwin’s “Summertime” at a Gari Gala years after her retirement, soprano ever youthful, Elaine Malbin wonderfully singing “Meine Lippen Sie Kussen So Heiz” from Lehar’s Giuditta, Jerome Hines’s wife Lucia Evangelista and Giulio Gari in golden duet from La Traviata, grand soprano immortal and  sorely missed Licia Albanese belting out two final notes from The Star Spangled Banner from one of her superb galas and Giulio Gari in a ringing, heroic “Celeste Aida.”

Michael Rosen, Bernard Uzan, Diana Soviero, Jane Shaulis, Rosalind Elias, Gloria Gari & Jonathan Kelly
Photo by Judy Pantano

At this splendid affair, it was nice to see Artistic Director Stephen De Maio President of the Gerda Lissner Foundation and his sister Marie De Maio, extraordinary educator, Gari Board members, dapper Karl Michaelis and ever stylish Joyce Greenberg, Cornelia Beigel from Gerda Lissner, legendary Met mezzo Rosalind Elias, unforgettable Met soprano Diana Soviero and impeccable impresario Bernard Uzan, saucy soprano Elaine Malbin from New York City Opera, Met mezzo soprano the sparkling Jane Shaulis, who is also President of Opera Index and Joseph Gasperec, Executive Director from Opera Index, soprano Barbara Ann Testa, vocal coach Tamie Laurance, talented conductors Maestro Eve Queler and Jan Josef Wnek, very chic Sachi Liebergesell former President of the Licia Albanese-Puccini Foundation, affable lawyer Brian O’Connor, Artists Personal Managers agent Michael Rosen, Betty Cooper Wallerstein, the great civic activist, Anthony Laciura, Metopera tenor and television actor and charming wife Joel, industrious Bill Ronayne from The Mario Lanza Society and classy Michèle Classe export consultant and husband Anthony added their vibrant presence.

Maestro Jan Wnek,Tamie Laurance, Sachi Liebergesell & Brian O’Connor. Photo by Judy Pantano

The delicious dinner with Butternut Squash Ravioli and succulent chicken, potatoes, and vegetables gave us all the opportunity to wine and dine in fine splendor. We think about past and present and contemplate the “stars,” both the ones on view in the heavens and the young awardees with stardom in their future. Thank you beautiful Gloria Gari, family, staff and awardees for this incomparable and unforgettable gala event.

Gloria Gari, Photo by Judy Pantano

 

Elysium between two Continents Celebrates its 35th Year

On the evening of Wednesday, October 10th, Elysium between two Continents celebrated its 35th Year at the NY Lotos Club. According to the program notes included, “Elysium – between two continents fosters artistic and academic dialogue and mutual friendship between the United States of America and Europe. Elysium fights against ignorance, discrimination, racism, hatred, and anti-Semitism by means of art.”

“Elysium was founded on October 11, 1983, by Gregorij H. von Leïtis as a theater company in New York and presented numerous American premieres of German language plays in English translation. Theater and the arts were used for the integration of the socially marginalized groups: Gregorij von Leïtis worked with the children of Puerto-Rican immigrants in the East Village and initiated the program Theater for the Homeless. In 1993, the Elysium Theater Company was transformed into the trans-Atlantic cultural exchange organization, Elysium – between two continents. Over the past few decades, the focus has been on the rediscovery and presentation of music and literature created by artists who were persecuted by the Nazis. Elysium’s theme and banner is ‘Hate is a failure of the imagination.'”

“Elysium’s history is closely linked with Erwin Piscator and his groundbreaking ideas of a politically and socially relevant theater. Erwin Piscator believed that “art only achieves its purpose when it contributes to the improvement of man.” In 1985, Gregorij von Leïtis founded The Erwin Piscator Award Society to honor and commemorate the artistic and humanitarian legacy of the great theater man Erwin Piscator and his lasting influence on theater on both sides of the Atlantic.

The Lahr von Leïtis Academy & Archive in association with Elysium presents ‘Art and Education without Borders.’ Their belief is that education and art can empower and enlighten the younger generation through free lectures, seminars, workshops, and master classes. They want to familiarize young people with the treasures of exiled art to help them create a meaningful future that incorporates the lessons learned from history.”

The program began with an introduction by Michael Lahr, Program Director and Treasurer. He proudly hailed the many accomplishments and the sense of all good things that have progressed in the 35-year history of this noble dream of Gregorij von Leïtis, founding Artistic Director and President.

The first speaker was Dr. Helmut Boeck, the Consul General of Austria who spoke of the art and idealism pursued by Elysium’s founders and supporters.

Gregorij von Leïtis, Austrian Consul General Dr. Helmut Boeck & wife Barbara Boehm-Boeck & Dr. Michael Haider, new Director of the Austrian Cultural Forum
Photo by Letizia Mariotti

The next speaker was Jens Janik, Deputy Consul General of The Federal Republic of Germany who had high praise for Elysium and its words and deeds and unshakable idealism during these current challenging times.

Michael Lahr, Jens Janik, Deputy Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany & Gregorij von Leïtis. Photo by Letizia Mariotti

Corey Friedlander, who handles public relations for Elysium, spoke with zeal about the presence and prescience of Elysium and how needed it is today. I am not a theologian but “blessed are the peacemakers for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” seems appropriate.

Corey Friedlander, Public Relations
Photo by Letizia Mariotti

The radiant and always vital Jolana Blau, Vice President of Elysium and Gregorij von Leïtis, Founder and President, gave a touching thank you to all. Their affection and respect were presented with warmth and love in the finest sense of the word. A recent Erwin Piscator awardee, Jolana Blau, is a concentration camp survivor who is a symbol of betterness replacing bitterness. Her sparkling smile is like the warming sun and a new dawn for a weary world.

Elysium’s supporter Katherine Goldsmith & Jolana Blau
Photo by Letizia Mariotti

The playwright David Hirson, the baritone Peter Clark, who has worked with Elysium in the past (he sang one of the parts in Gregorij’s production of Ernst Krenek’s opera “What Price Confidence?” at the Rome Opera House, and also was part of the world premiere of Egon Lustgarten’s opera as a work-in-progress at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, also directed by Gregorij). Peter lives in Brooklyn.

Playwright David Hirson, baritone Peter Clark & Elysium’s Michael Lahr with Corey Friedlander in the background. Photo by Letizia Mariotti

The reception gave us the pleasure of speaking to the honorees and friends. Michael Lahr and Gregorij von Leïtis just returned from several months in Europe presenting through Elysium programs, many lectures, and creative and hopeful plays.

Grazina Michneviciute, Cultural Attache at the Consulate General of the Republic of Lithuania in New York, Michael Lahr & Gitana Skripkaite, Acting Consul General of Lithuania in New York
Photo by Letizia Mariotti

It was nice to see tenor and humanitarian Cesare Santeramo, always elegant, witty and charming. We wish his partner, Dr. Robert Campbell, well and missed his presence. Both were honored by Elysium at the Lotos Club a few years ago.

Elysium Supporter Cesare Santeramo & Gregorij von Leïtis. Photo by Letizia Mariotti

We greeted the gifted photographer Letitzia Mariotti and discussed the talent of famed  Corsican tenor Tino Rossi who, next to Napoleon Bonaparte, is a legend from Corsica. Just Google his recording of “Un violon dans la nuit” or his hit “Vieni, vieni.” Letitzia has a family link to Napoleon.

We chatted with young Italian-American Gary Guarinello whose family is from Campagnia and Palermo, Italy and who expressed an interest in seeing his first opera. My wife Judy and I suggested Verdi’s Aida or Puccini’s La Bohème or Franco Zefferelli’s spectacular Turandot at the Metropolitan Opera. We spoke to newlywed coloratura soprano JeanMarie Garofolo and husband Helder De Sa (of Portuguese descent) who are on the threshold to a happy musical and harmonious future. It was a pleasure to chat with Corey Friedlander who eloquently spoke earlier and does publicity for Elysium. I mentioned the “old” saints revered by my grandmother, particularly St. Anthony of Padua comparing them to our “new” saints – Michael Lahr, Gregorij von Leïtis and Jolana Blau who have accomplished and continue to accomplish miraculous good deeds through Elysium the last 35 years, in today’s unsteady world.

Board member Oliver Trumbo, with Elysium’s supporters, David Goldstein & Gail Reisin. Photo by Letizia Mariotti

The excellent wines and foods at the illustrious Lotos Club were worthy of this joyous celebration. Michael Lahr and Gregorji H. von Leïtis deserve such acclaim. They are now SUNG heroes in my eyes, after 35 years of spectacular and newsworthy “happenings” with Elysium. We are truly blessed to applaud and share this wonderful event. In many an opera, “Esperanza” is what is taught. As long as we have Elysium we have HOPE in abundance.

We thank Program Director Michael Lahr, Founder Gregorij H. von Leïtis and Vice President Jolana Blau. We wish you all at least CENT ANNI and continued great success!

 

The Rockaway Post Theatre Company Presents A View From the Bridge

The Rockaway Post Theatre Company presented an exciting production of Arthur Miller’s play A View From the Bridge on Saturday evening, October 6th. The company is located in Fort Tilden, an old historic Army installation between Riis Park & Breezy Point in the Rockaways. This whole area is now part of Gateway National Park along with Floyd Bennett Field, which was a prominent airfield in World War I & II.

A View from a Bridge was written by Arthur Miller in 1955 as part of a two short play production. He re-wrote it as a two-act play the following year. At this time in our history, this play about immigration is very à propos. My wife Judy and I saw it as an opera a few years ago at The Vertical Player Opera on Court Street in Cobble Hill Brooklyn. We were profoundly moved by this as an opera by William Bolcom and now we see it as the magnificent play, a work of understanding and genius. Arthur Miller, a renowned Brooklynite (1915-2005) lived in Brooklyn Heights and we would sometimes see him or author Norman Mailer walking amidst the citizenry of that fabled Brooklyn area. Arthur Miller and his wife Marilyn Monroe often dined at Cafiero’s Restaurant, a legendary eatery that is now an artist’s loft nearby. My father Santo (Sam) Pantano had a Florsheim Shoe Store on Columbia Street for many years in the 1940’s and 1950’s and he was privy to the gangsters and characters of Red Hook, South Brooklyn. Judy and I have lived on President Street for 35 years just across the street from where my father’s former shoe store was on Columbia Street. As a young man, I would walk to the shoe store from St. Francis College that was originally on Court and Butler Streets, my Alma Mater, which was near Ebel’s Restaurant and Ice Cream Parlor and the legendary College Bakery. The “old timers” still call it Red Hook or South Brooklyn and have never really embraced the “new” and uppity name of Carroll Gardens. The neighborhood has changed now but the Italian flavoring still strongly exists with Mazzola’s Pastry shop, the famed House of Pizza & Calzone on Union Street operated in the “old days” by the legendary much loved Giovanni (John) Teutonico and Onofrio Gaudiso. They on occasion still visit current owner Paul DiAgostino and like all of us, are so happy that the tradition is held sacred and continues to this day with great pizza and calzone. On nearby Court Street, Court Pastry, Caputo’s Bakery, Monteleone’s Pastry, Esposito’s Pork Store, Mazzone’s Hardware and a few others are still active in the neighborhood.

When my father had his shoe store, Virgilio Santamaria was the photographer who lived upstairs. He had a cousin, the nuclear scientist Enrico Fermi who told my Uncle Cologero (Kelly) that the longshoremen lived better than he did. The great tenor Enrico Caruso sailed back to Italy to die in 1921 with his wife Dorothy and baby Gloria from Pier 7 nearby waving to the multitudes who saw him off. A decade earlier, Caruso, surrounded by police and undercover, went to Van Brunt Street to capture suspected Mafiosi who threatened him and his family. They were in reality two out of work Italian immigrants who desperately needed money. Ever faithful to his fellow Italians, Caruso was the first one to sign a petition to have them released. Lieutenant Petrosino intervened years before to protect the great tenor from Mafia threats. (See the film “Pay or Die” with Ernest Borgnine as Inspector Petrosino). The legendary “Mondo the Midget” was a gangster wannabee whose job was to feed the pet lion the Gallo family “adopted” to put fear in the hearts of their creditors. It was a rich textured neighborhood and Arthur Miller, sitting in Montero’s Bar along the taverns on Atlantic Avenue, first heard the story that inspired A View from the Bridge. It is Italian oral tradition conceived in whispers, the disgrace and tragedy of Eddie Carbone. If only Eddie Carbone had listened to the soothsayer, the lawyer Alfieri.

(L-R) Beatrice (Jodee Timpone), Eddie (Robert Wilkinson), Catherine (Melanie Mahanna) with Marco (Guido Corno) &
Rodolpho (Matthew Barrera) at the table. Photo by Rob Mintzes

The setting is Red Hook, Brooklyn in the 1950’s. The ominous sounds of horns and seagulls filled the theater with the cacophony of the Red Hook waterfront. Alfieri the lawyer narrates the tale, like a Greek chorus and is very much a “Beware the Ides of March” prophet. Bernard Feinerman, a well-known actor from Brooklyn Heights, was an almost Biblical figure, a “wise” man, a prophet raising his voice against a tide that Eddie Carbone embraced. His advice to Eddie is simple pure truth, but it falls on “deaf” ears. Alfieri warns Eddie repeatedly not to pursue what he is feeling, but Eddie stubbornly holds his old beliefs, which consume him and swallow him whole. Feinerman’s excellent diction, emphasis on truth, nobility of utterance, wisdom in law and religion, made him a prophet without honor, an eloquent angel who could not break the wall that the devil set up. In Sicily, honor supersedes law! “You can NEVER have her, Eddie – only GOD makes Justice.” Alfieri’s advice to Eddie, “Let her go and give her your blessing!” was not heeded. Mr. Feinerman gave us a haunting and unforgettable performance that evoked Charlton Heston’s biblical Moses. The striking blazing reds of the backdrop gave us grandeur and the illusion of a Cinemascope film. Frank Caiati is a talent combo of Frank Capra, David Lean and Cecil B. DeMille.

Director & Scenic Designer Frank Caiati & Bernard Feinerman.
Photo by Judy Pantano

Eddie Carbone was portrayed by Robert Wilkinson, who gave a searing and soaring performance and was a stubborn and complex character who evoked sympathy from his audience, never contempt. One never really felt that he was disgracing his wife and himself by his obsession and infatuation of his niece Catherine. He and his wife Beatrice had raised her since she was a little girl. Now at 17, she is a young, vibrant and pretty young woman, perhaps a bit flattered by his attention but perhaps also naive. I spoke to Mr. Wilkinson and wondered how he captured the essence of Sicilian Eddie Carbone so well. He told me he had some Italian relatives and was able to use that as a reference in capturing Eddie’s character. A truly praiseworthy job, a brilliant performance. A question – in the final, fatal scene with Marco, perhaps subliminal – does Eddie fall on the knife to end it all?

Melanie Mahanna was utterly captivating as Catherine, niece and the “adopted” child of Eddie and Beatrice. She had a sweetness that was beguiling and a “naivete” that was part of the adolescent package. I do not think that there was anything in her lighting up Eddie’s cigar although some might. Her walking around in her slip was not really provocative but who knows what a gossamer garment might provoke? Surely the cigar lighting pleased Eddie very much and it just might have pleased her to make him happy. It is very important that her portrayal steer clear of ambiguity of character. There is and should not be any nuance of ambiguity. Her basic character of goodness must be retained. Her scenes with Rodolpho were in earnest, sex or not, they were normal for a girl of 17. It is to Eddie that the abnormality falls and with a mighty volcanic crash buried in his own putrid lava.

Rodolpho & Catherine spending some time together.
Photo by Rob Mintzes

Jodee Timpone was superb as Eddie’s wife. Her slow awakening to Eddie’s problem was like watching a favorite painting melt from too much steam on a cold day. She slowly fell apart, the sameness of their life in Red Hook, his hard work as a longshoreman, hers, cooking and caring for their niece and feeling the chill still of his cooling feelings for her. The family dinner with Eddie and others crossing themselves was touching in its simplicity. What a sublime piece of work and a performance to remember. Bea’s caressing of Eddie’s dead body symbolized her whole life, devoted to Eddie Carbone.

The death of Eddie Carbone with his wife Beatrice while lawyer Alfieri looks on.
Photo by Rob Mintzes

Rodolpho was in the skilled hands of Matthew Barrera. Rodolpho, illegal immigrant was “different.” He loved to sing (Paper Doll, a 1950’s song by the Mills Brothers) he could repair dresses and had an almost effete range of interests. The longshoremen thought him peculiar but Catherine showed interest in him. Eddie warned her about Rodolpho saying he would marry her only to become a United States citizen. In a chilling scene when he sees them together, he suddenly kisses Catherine full on the mouth and does the same to Rodolpho. Near the end, Alfieri arranges for the couple to marry.

Rodolpho & Eddie sparring while Marco & Beatrice look on.
Photo by Rob Mintzes

Marco was brilliantly portrayed by Guido Corno. Marco has a wife and children in Sicily who he helps support by coming to the United States to work and help. When he finds out that someone has called the immigration police (Submarines) he spits at Eddie. He and Eddie fight and Eddie gets stabbed and dies. This is the day that Catherine and Rodolpho are to be getting married.

Catherine, Rodolpho & Marco listening to lawyer Alfieri (Bernard Feinerman).
Photo by Rob Mintzes

Fred Grieco and Brian Sadowski as friends, Mike and Louis were as true as truth itself with warm affable heartiness, Cronin Cullen and Eric Kramer were authoritative in their police officer roles, Francesco Ciaramella and Mike Whelan excelled as the “Submarine” immigration officers with sanitation men attitudes toward the human refuge at their disposal. Mr. Lipari (Kevin Abernethy) and Mrs. Lipari (Ruth Graves) were a perfect fit. The main course actors and ensemble made for a perfect dish, each blending in a perfect meal with extra virgin olive oil and fresh from the grape vinegar. This was a perfect performance of a great work and the wonderful and appreciative audience who applauded and cheered with great enthusiasm in the “wilds” of an oasis at The Rockaway Post Theatre.

Director Frank Caiati is a young man with a fine future. The direction was contained and intimate when needed and broad an expansive when necessary. One’s eyes and mind were always focused on the proper protagonists. Directing is a soufflé that MUST work or it collapses. This was set up to perfection. The reddish sky, the stairway descending to Eddie and Beatrice’s apartment, the bright scenes where Alfieri, like Moses, pronounces his apprehensions and philosophic truths were all indelible and compact. As Alfieri said, “I feel like a lawyer in Caesar’s time – powerless to watch as the events of history run their bloody course.” Eddie Carbone kept worrying about his being disrespected by all including his neighbors in Red Hook. His wife Bea, his niece, everyone not caring about the proper “respect” that was his due – but as a possible “snitch,” his reputation was gone.

Eddie Carbone making the call to Immigration.
Photo by Rob Mintzes

Red Hook today has Fairway and Ikea and some new buildings but some of the old “City Island” type areas remain. Sessa’s Bank is gone from Union Street as is Frank Sacco’s Department Store, several movie theatres such as the “Happy Hour” and “The Luna” are gone as are the Sicilian puppet shows (with Orlando Furiso – giant puppets Medieval armor battling Malagiggi the villain.) Ocean liners come in now and dock nearby. Rents and property values have escalated. The iconic swimming pool and parks remain. The housing projects once Scandinavian and Italian are still here as is the imposing Church of the Visitation. The pushcarts and small family owned stores are gone. But Eddie Carbone’s days are memories and dust in the passage of time and a chill in the ocean breeze.

The souvenir program notes welcomed back Suzanne Riggs as Stage Manager, Adele Wendt as Assistant Stage Manager and marvelous costumier.

How do we love thee? For brilliant productions, hard working company, talent supreme, friendly audience, including many from “The Red Hook hood.” A teacher friend of ours, a true gentleman, Les Kraft who lived in Far Rockaway proudly told us of his acting in this Far Rockaway Company. Just before the hurricane wiped out his house, he sold it, married and is now living in Florida. We thank him for his being a factor in our visit.

A resounding bravo to the Rockaway Post Theatre Company! This truly was a night to remember. The applause, cheers and peerless performance still echo in memory!

Cast of A View from the Bridge.
Photo by Rob Mintzes