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In 1880, the trip by steamship from Naples, Italy to New York City dropped to a relatively affordable $15. For many Italians who hoped to find work in America, it was the start of a dream. Once here, the immigrants usually settled in enclaves where people from their region of Italy had already put down roots, according to the Lower East Side Tenement Museum. Neapolitans had settled on Mulberry Street. It was in an area that became known as Little Italy.
Since 1972, this colorful locale, Mulberry Street in New York's Little Italy, has been the backdrop for a play series produced at Stamford's Curtain Call. Now, a new installment, "A Merry Mulberry Street Musical," takes over the Dressing Room Theatre's stage from December 2-19. In this all new musical comedy, set in 1944, the Morello and Baccolini families do their best to celebrate the holiday season in the midst of World War II. With sons at war overseas, sisters-in-law at home doing battle and a never-ending dispute about whose homemade wine is better, the laughs and emotional moments abound.
An updated story, new characters, a new script and original songs, written in 1940s style by Jeffrey Lodin and William Squier, capture the essence of a nostalgic time and its "make the best of things" holiday spirit. Lou Ursone, Curtain Call's Executive Director, is not only the creator of "A Merry Mulberry Street Musical," he also performs in it, reprising his role as patriarch, Piccino Morello. Director Brian Bianco says, "Each character provides a heart-felt link to friends and relatives who surrounded me in my early childhood and whose spirits continue to inspire me in my adulthood. 'A Merry Mulberry Street Musical' ... can be appreciated by all ethnicities, ages and backgrounds." Drop in on these warm and engaging characters in "A Merry Mulberry Street Musical" to give yourself a special holiday present. Performances are Thursday through Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. On Wednesday, December 15, there is an 8 p.m. performance. Tickets are $14-$28. For more information, call (203) 461-6358. extension 13, or visit Curtain Call's website.
Do you have family stories about holidays during World War II? Have you seen any of the "Merry Mulberrry" series? Let us know by posting below or e-mailing me at cfortier@mainstreetconnect.us.
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