From a small stage in an unassuming church communal hall, a growing theater company said it’s bringing magic, humor and melancholy to downtown Mineola.
Mezzo Theatrical, run by John and Kathryn Mezzo, will open its production of “Almost, Maine,” on Friday, May 1, in a run they hope will “light the darkness” from the humble theater in the basement of a First Presbyterian Church building.
“It’s funny and poignant,” Kathryn Mezzo said about the show, for whichtickets are availableonline. “It consists of nine vignettes that take place on a winter’s evening.”
Andy Morreale, afilm directorand editor, is co-directing alongside John Mezzo, who is also acting in the piece. Melissa Ryan is an assistant director for the show, as is Karthryn Mezzo, the company’s creative director.
“The message of the show is love, but it’s also about life. It’s about love found and love lost, so the theme is very uplifting,” John Mezzo said. “The slogan of our theater company is ‘we light the dark,’ so it’s kind of like the show is a light, in some ways.”
“This play has so many layers and levels to it emotionally,” Morreale said. He described a scene that features a breakup and acknowledged the emotional depth the actors can reach. “When we found the right cast, and put people together, and they really started adopting their characters, it took on its life.”
Actors will play multiple roles, and in scenes depicting themes of falling in love, growing apart and missing connections, directors said. The paid cast of 13 is drawn from all over the area, including some actors who commute to the city.
“It’s very whimsical and romantic. There’s a lot of magical realism in the play, which you don’t see a lot with love stories,” Neldi Gilot, 23, who plays Hope and Gayle in the show, said. “All the characters are very grounded. You would recognize them in real life, but there’s some aspect of the scenes that’s unexpected or surprising.”
“The roles I’m playing are very sad characters, but there’s always a bit of hope in each of the actors’ performances. Without hope, what’s the point?” Michael Ruggiere, 35, said, adding that the entire show team is in harmony. “There are magical moments amidst a tremendous amount of tragedy. The magic of human connection, even when people are at their lowest, can still brighten up the day.”
The directors said they are striving for professionalism in their work, aiming to occupy a space between high-budget productions and community theaters.
Source: LI Press
