Giulia, The Poison Queen of Palermo

 Giulia
The Poison Queen of Palermo
PAC NYC
Perelman Performing Arts Center
August 1, 2026 

Photo courtesy of Giulia,
the Poison Queen of Palermo

Giulia, The Poison Queen of Palermo is a potent new musical.  Set in 1650, and based on the life of Giulia Tofana, it tells a fiery tale of faith, dark magic, vengeance, and rage.  The passion illuminates throughout Jennifer Nettles’ book and score.  The writing is tight and clear.  The characters are all well developed.  The conflict steadily rises, as intrigue carries the story through to the end.  The score drives the action, and the lyrics reveal the inner thoughts and motivations of the characters.  The choreography, by Austin McCormick, sets the pace and style for the production.  Director Mary Zimmerman skillfully brings it all together.  

Giulia (played by Jennifer Nettles) runs an apothecary in Palermo.  All the women of the town come to her with their ailments.  When her husband, Carlo (played by Matthew Amira), starts to mishandle her daughter, Vitoria (played by Naomi Serrano), Giulia poisons him with one of her deadly potions.  After that, the women of Palermo come to her for solutions to their abusive marital problems.  The newly appointed Governatore (played by Christopher M. Ramirez) sets his eye on Vitoria, so when the Cardinale (played by Quentin Earl Darrington) needs a scapegoat for the cause of the drought and hard times facing the citizens of Palermo, they choose to blame Giulia and her apothecary.  They claim it is a center of witchcraft. 

Jennifer Nettles & the Women of the Ensemble
Photo courtesy of Giulia, The Poison Queen of Palermo

Jennifer Nettles is captivating as Giulia.  The character is driven by a clear sense of righteousness.  The more action she takes, the more determined and powerful she becomes.  She bonds with a extraordinary ensemble of women (Emily Fink, Aubrey Matalon, Jamila Sabares-Klemm, and Maya Sistruck) to create a quietly vindictive rebellious cause that changes the structure of their lives.  Naomi Serrano carries the torch as Giulia’s daughter Vitoria.  Her character grows from a naïve young girl to a determined vigilante.  She is fearless.  Didi Romero is funny and fabulous as Duchessa.  She delivers a bold character that is conniving and self-serving. 

Christopher M. Ramirez as Governatore
Photo courtesy of Giulia, The Poison Queen of Palermo

Christopher M. Ramirez and Quentin Earl Darrington are cunning villains as Governatore and Cardinale.  They both have a powerful presence that pushes against the close camaraderie of Giulia and the women.  Sam Simahk is strong and endearing as Father Paolo.  His steady sense of justice gives Giulia and Vitoria supportive guidance, both spiritually and emotionally.  There are also impressive performances by Andrew Kober, Matthew Amira, and Bre Jackson.

Photo courtesy of Giulia, The Poison Queen of Palermo

Act I succinctly and skillfully sets up the characters, time period, and situation.  Act II is full of dark twists and dramatic turns, deepening the action and keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. 

Giulia, The Poison Queen of Palermo has been extended at PAC NYC (Perelman Performing Arts Center, 251 Fulton St.) through August 2.  Unfortunately, at the time of this posting, the production played its final performance.  Keep your eye peeled for future productions.  Hopefully, this will not be the last we see of this show.  It is a phenomenal and unique musical, with a fervent message of empowerment and change. 

Domenick Danza