Mago Hunt presents lively, compelling performance of 'Italian-American Reconciliation'
By Ona Golonka
Lifelong lessons may appear anywhere, while staring at plastic bags hovering in the wind, in day-to-day relationships and even in theatre. Enduring lessons and morals are abundant in the performance of "Italian-American Reconciliation," written by John Patrick Shanley.
Though the performance contains love, internal growth and male bonding, it also emphasizes the underlying message of reconciling with oneself and one's past before attempting to love others. It is an intimate play of tremendous achievement and reach.
"I've had a love affair for this show for a decade," said director Rico Nan. "I reached a point in my life where this would be the right time to tell this story."
Set in Little Italy, New York City, "Italian-American Reconciliation" offers a glimpse in the life of Huey (junior Alex Kirby) through the tale told by his friend Aldo (sophomore Eric Lyness). Huey is looking to reconcile with his former wife, Janice (junior Danielle Larson) - who in Aldo's words is a fiend - in order to get the strength back to be a man again and to get the power to love and trust another woman, Teresa (freshman Hillary Joseph). Huey feels like Sampson and Janice is the one who cut his hair. He must reconcile with his past in order to reclaim his present life.
Aldo aides his friend in his quest to get back his strength and the pair accentuate male bonding before it came into vogue. By helping Huey, Aldo also reconciles with himself and his fear of women and his fear of falling in love.
Both Kirby and Lyness give poignant performances that realistically portray their characters' struggles with overcoming their own weaknesses and learning from their pasts. Kirby conveys Huey's vulnerabilities and later courageous moments successfully, adding just the necessary amount of assertiveness to make the performance believable.
Lyness depicts Aldo's internal conflictions with external suaveness that still allows for the audience to glimpse into his character's soul. Both of their performances leave the audience in a philosophical ponder.
Janice's ice-queen attitude is delightfully depicted by Larson. Though Janice detests Huey and mostly everyone around her, she is not entirely frigid. Her defensive walls can ultimately be broken down, but only at the last possible moment.
Joseph gives an engaging performance as Teresa, who ultimately loves Huey but wants him to reconcile with his past. Though sometimes conflicted, she knows to whom she wants to give her heart. Senior Elizabeth Evans gives an endearing and pleasing performance as wise May, who helps Teresa figure out her affections and helps Aldo focus on overcoming his fears. She seems to be the only one who has figured out her life and is on firm ground.
The quest to reconcile with oneself does not follow a straight path nor is it simple. "Italian-American Reconciliation" will entertain, provoke emotions and ultimately remind its audience of lessons needing remembrance.
The show plays tonight and tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. in Mago Hunt Theatre. Tickets are free.
