Chiara Montalto. An Italian-American Tale on Stage

Marina Melchionda & Laura Razzano (October 13, 2010)

On November 4-20 the critically acclaimed Barefoot Theatre Company will present Chiara Montalto's Solo Show at the Cherry Lane Studio Theatre. "Emergency Used Candles" is a Brooklyn tale about the relationship between an Italian-American grandfather and his grandaughter, and the profound effect they have on each other as one’s life is ending while the other’s is just beginning. We met Chiara in Bensonhurst, the Italian American neighborhood where her family comes from. Before the rehearsals she told us about her Italian-American origins, her life with her grandpa and the unique bond that they shared

Barefoot Theatre Company [2] - now in its 12th season Off-Broadway - will present the world-premiere of Chiara Montalto's play Emergency Used Candles, with previews beginning November 4 and a press opening night set for November 6 at the Studio Theatre (38 Commerce St.) at Cherry Lane Theatre [3] in Manhattan.

Emergency Used Candles is a tale set in Brooklyn about the profound effect a grandfather and his granddaughter have on each other as one's life is ending while the other's is just beginning. Written and performed by Chiara Montalto, it is based on the playwright's own experience growing up as a caretaker to her grandfather.

Emergency Used Candles is directed by Victoria Malvagno. Sound design is by Eric Nightengale, set design is by Tom Lenz, lighting design by Josh Iacovelli, and costume design by Ms. Malvagno.

Chiara Montalto has appeared in the Barefoot revival of "Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie?," and the 40th anniversary production of Lanford Wilson's "Balm in Gilead." She also appeared in an Italian language production of Pirandello's "La Giara." Emergency Used Candles was first presented in Barefoot's bareNaked Reading and workshop series. Her film credits include "Saturday," and "One to One." She is directing the short documentary "Something Special," about a very remarkable group of Senior citizens.

Founded by a group of theatre artists interested in producing stimulating and thought-provoking theatre for the public, Barefoot Theatre Company has produced over 60 plays - both new and existing works - from Balm in Gilead and Does A Tiger Wear a Necktie? to the 35th anniversary production of Israel Horovitz [4]'s The Indian Wants the Bronx and Dog Day Afternoon, Francisco Solorzano's adaptation of the popular film. The production sold out its engagement at Theater Row. Last season, Barefoot presented the 70/70 Horovitz Project, a yearlong, worldwide festival that featured 70 of Israel Horovitz's plays on the occasion of his 70th birthday, with productions of his works in presented in West Africa, Australia, Greece, France, Italy, Korea as well as nationwide as part of Barefoot's record breaking festival.

EMERGENCY USED CANDLES

November 4-20 (Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7 pm; Saturdays at 3 pm)

Cherry Lane Studio Theatre

38 Commerce Street (Off 7th Avenue, 1 block south of Bleecker)

New York NY 10014

Tickets are $35; $25 for students and seniors.

To buy tickets click here [5]

*Laura Razzano was born in Naples, Italy. She graduated in Photography at the Institute European of Design in Rome (ied.edu). She worked as a war photographer covering the end of the war in Former Yugoslavia, the Exodus after the genocide in Rwanda, the Election of Barack vs Sharon in Israel. She then decided to move to New York City, after coming to work on an assignment after 9/11. She started working on music, producing interesting music covers. She currently live in NYC where she works as a freelance, creates and experience the art of photography.