Office of Public Affairs

(315) 312-2265


Nov. 5, 2003


CONTACT: Kelly Cullinan, 312-3097


'RECONCILIATION' TO OFFER COMEDY, TACKLE ISSUES

    OSWEGO -- "Italian-American Reconciliation" is "a comedy that touches on serious issues," according to its director, SUNY Oswego senior Erin Naughton. The college's annual student honors production will open Nov. 19 in the Tyler Hall lab theatre.

    Naughton believes that the deft script by John Patrick Shanley, who wrote the Oscar-winning screenplay for "Moonstruck," makes it possible for audiences to laugh and think about the topics raised.   

    "It doesn't knock you over the head with these serious issues," Naughton, a double major in theatre and English, said of the script. "Shanley is such a skilled playwright in that he can introduce these serious issues with a consistent comic lens that allows the audience to never feel bombarded by the issues, but for their presence and power to be felt at the same time."
   
    The fact that the play is cyclical in nature gives viewers another wrinkle to ponder, she added. The script reflects that "in life, when you think you understand, something else comes along and changes your perspective," Naughton said.

    "Italian-American Reconciliation" starts with Huey Bonfigliano (Aaron Kicak) telling his pal Aldo (Ryan Powers) that he plans to reconcile with his ex-wife Janice (Sondra Tackett), even though she brought him nothing but misery and shot his dog.

    Huey also wants to break up with his current girlfriend Teresa (Meaghan Thaney) and enlists a reluctant Aldo to help with the process. Rounding out the cast is May (Deva Holub), the voice of experience.

    Along the way, there are plot twists and revelations, which is where the serious issues come into play, Naughton said. Such topics as relationship violence, alcoholism and suicide subtly weave their way into Shanley's script.

    The playwright "makes you aware of but not disturbed" by the heavier content, Naughton said. "I think you come away thinking about life differently."

    The preview of "Italian-American Reconciliation" will take place at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, with all seats available for $5.

    The production will have 8 p.m. curtains Nov. 19 to 22, with a 2:30 p.m. Sunday matinee Nov. 23. Tickets cost $10; $9 for seniors and students; $7 for SUNY Oswego students. For information or reservations, contact Tyler box office at 312-2141 or tylerbxo@oswego.edu.


- END -


Plotting, planning in rehearsal image for 'Italian-American Reconciliation'

PLANNING AND PLOTTING -- Huey (Aaron Kicak, left) tries to convince his friend Aldo (Ryan Powers) to help him out of his current relationship and into the arms of his ex-wife in this rehearsal scene from the SUNY Oswego student honors production, "Italian-American Reconciliation." The comedy will open Nov. 19 in Tyler Hall's lab theatre. For information or reservations, contact Tyler box office at 312-2141 or tylerbxo@oswego.edu.


News Releases Main Page | Public Affairs Main Page | SUNY Oswego Home