Napoli, Brooklyn

Napoli, Brooklyn

Roundabout at Laura Pels Theatre

Harold & Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre

July 25, 2017

 

Photo courtesy
of Roundabout Theatre Company

Napoli, Brooklyn is a tale of the bond of sisterhood and the strength of maternal nurturing.  Playwright Meghan Kennedy weaves a story of an immigrant Italian family living in Park Slope, Brooklyn in 1960.  Her characters are tender, bold, brave, and daring.  Director Gordon Edelstein creates an atmosphere that is authentic, honest, and real.  The tumultuous events of the play are emotionally riveting, and the message will touch your heart.

Luda Muscolino (played by Alyssa Bresnahan) has three daughter, Vita (played by Elise Kibler), Tina (played by Lilli Kay), and sixteen year old Francesca (played by Jordyn DiNatale).  They all live under the explosive temper of their husband/father, Nic (played by Lev Gordon).  Francesca is in love with her best friend from school, Connie (played by Juliet Brett).  They are planning on stowing away on a ship to Europe to start a new life together.  When an unexpected disaster falls out of the sky, their lives disperse unexpectedly.

Alyssa Bresnahan as Luda Muscolino
Photo courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company

This entire cast is superb.  Jordyn DiNatale, Elise Kibler, and Lilli Kay create a strong bond that keeps the play connected.  Ms. DiNatale is fiery and energetic.  Ms. Kibler is feisty and vocal.  Ms. Kay is stoic and solid.  Alyssa Bresnahan is magnificent as their mother, Luda Muscolino.  She creates a devoted, loving, maternal character who bridges the events of the play with consistency and strength.  Lev Gordon creates a volatile character in Nic Muscolino.  Ms. Kennedy writes a clear and well-developed background for this character, and Mr. Gorn plays him with an emotional charge that propels the action of the play forward.

Elise Kibler, Lilli Kay, & Jordyn DiNatale
Photo courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company

If you want to see a heartwarming story that will move you and leave you with a message of strength and endurance, this is the play to see.  Its production values are as high as you would expect from any Roundabout Theatre show.  Napoli, Brooklyn is running at the Laura Pels Theatre through September 3.

Domenick Danza