Theatregoers were left craving some ragù after watching Saturday, Sunday, Monday.
The English translation of Eduardo De Filippo’s 1959 classic, directed by Antoni Cimolino, has three acts, each representing the days in the production’s name.
This play is Cimolino’s final one as director. He is of Italian descent.
Food is a big part with a ragù being served on stage but at its core it is about family and love in a 1950’s Neapolitan household.
Graham Abbey and Rose Napoli are masterful as Giuseppe “Peppino” Priore and Rosa Priore, a long-time married couple.
Internal issues and insecurities slowly boil to the surface, affecting the couple, their friends and family.
Despite marital struggles, their love for one another is paramount, especially in the third act.
It’s a big Italian family of a cast who are consistently great and fun to watch, including Rod Beattie as Antonio Piscopo, Seana McKenna as Aunt Amelia “Meme” Priore, Emilio Vieira as Rocco Priore, Katarina Fiallos as Giulianella Priore, Jakob Ehman as Roberto Priore, Maher Sinno as Federico Serretta, Gordon S. Miller and Michelle Giroux as married couple Luigi and Elena Ianniello, Celia Aloma as Maria Carolina, Michael Wamara as Cefercola, Jenna-Lee Hyde as Virginia and Geraint Wyn Davies as Raffaele Priore.
The production has a solid balance between comedy and drama, with laughs and tension-fueled silence.
One of the most memorable bits comes in act two where Peppino hatches a plan to have Luigi get beat up by Virginia’s brother Michele, played by Liam Tobin.
The plan backfires spectacularly, leading to good physical comedy from everyone involved.
Set and clothing immerse the audience into the time period with classic suits, dresses and jackets.
The kitchen is filled with pots and pans, cutting boards and cabinets. The living room looks lived in and the back of the stage is used for the balcony, creating an eye-catching backdrop. The lighting provides gorgeous visuals.
This production also serves as a full circle moment for Cimolino, as the first production he directed for the Festival was De Filippo’s Filumena in 1997.
Saturday, Sunday, Monday runs until Oct. 24th.
Reporter Hussam Elghussein is sharing observations on opening week performances at the Stratford Festival.
