An Italian love story, built over the tumultuous waters of loss, heartache and betrayal. Tennessee Williams, the legendary playwright, spins his romantic tale in the American South, in a small town of immigrant Italians, where grief and lies cannot stand in the way of new love.
Originally presented in 1950 Chicago before heading to Broadway and garnering four Tony Awards, the Shattered Globe Theatre reawakens this "valentine", as producing artistic director, Sandy Shinner says, "which Williams himself called 'my love-play to the world'." Director, Greg Vinkler, remarks that this story "embraces loss...It is passionate, primal and funny. It is about life bursting at the seams."
Passionate volatility lies at the heart of this play in the form of Serafina, mother of fifteen year old Rosa, and widow with her heart lingering in the past. Their placid lifestyle is burst apart by a bumbling bus driver, who shares a list of uncanny similarities with Serafina's deceased husband, and who takes an immediate liking to Serafina. His persistent romantic antics delight as much as they infuriate Serafina, who tries to remain strong and dignified for the sake of her daughter's reputation. Her daughter Rosa herself tries desperately to find her own life story as a young American girl. Dodging her mother's rigid Italian regulations and bowing to social pressures at school along with her own budding desires, Rosa brings a young sailor home to meet her mother. Ideals clash as the two couples reflect the changing social mores in regards to status, upbringing and perspectives on love.
The Shattered Globe Theatre's production is a sweet and insightful romp through the barriers and fears we encounter on the path to love, perfect date night entertainment for couples of all ages. The chemistry between long-time ensemble member Eileen Niccolai as Serafina and NYC transplant Nic Grelli making his Chicago debut as her amorous pursuer is touching and full of laughs. A poignant set designed by Sarah E. Ross graces the tiny space with eloquence and efficiency. Unfinished chunks of window and wall hint at the character's missing meanings in life and love. The home is tastefully decorated to bring the audience into the busy life of this single mother, Serafina, and adequate space was found to conduct outdoor scenes even with only cramped aisle corners to use.
"The Rose Tattoo" runs at Theater Wit from January 15 through February 28th. The show runs two and one half hours, with one intermission. Tickets are available at www.theaterwit.org, in person at the box office, or by calling (773) 975-8150.
by Rachel M Payne
tw@birunjibaby
