MF Produzioni
presents

Enrico Brignano in

RUGANTINO

Book & Lyrics by Pietro Garinei and Sandro Giovannini
Music by Armando Trovajoli
Book in Collaboration with Pasquale Festa Campanile and Massimo Franciosa
Choreography: Gino Landi
Scenery & Costumes: Giuilio Coltellacci
Lighting Design: Giancarlo Bottone and Valerio Tiberi
Sound Design: Ettore Tosoni

Featuring: Enrico Brignano, Serena Rossi, Vincenzo Failla, Paola Tiziana Cruciani, Michele Gammino, Simone Mori, Valentina Spalletta, Andrea Perrozzi, Andrea Pirolli, Armando Silerini, Silvana Bosi, Alessandro Cavalieri, Mario Scalletta

Press Representative: Michelle Tabnick Communications

City Center
151 West 55th Street
June 13th at 8pm, June 14th at 2pm
www.nyccitycenter.org

Rugantino, the main character of the play, is a local prankster who is averse to work and instead cons people playfully into his trappings. Along with his ex and sidekick, Eusebia, they convince trusting citizens into hiring them and taking them in by telling them they are siblings.

Brignano, who plays Rugantino is billed as one of Italy’s top comedians. He is a delight to watch as he prances and dances and sings his way through the performance. He is a lover at heart, but cavalier, until he meets Rosetta, the wife of a powerful Roman. So he bets his chaps that he can woo her. Here the comedy unravels into a fun filled adventure of romance, betrayals and murder involving town locals, aristocrats, religion and politics. One comic twist after another ensues.

Rosetta is taken by this charming, lovable ruganza and, in turn, he falls for her. Although he cannot admit this to his fellow bettors as the deal was simply to have her for one night. She hears him say he conquered her and now rebuffs him. To get her back, he loudly pursues an aristocrat who is a ruganza herself by pretending to be a prostitute. They both engage in similar pranks for their own entertainment.

The ending is a bit of a surprise that I won’t spoil. But just know that the experience changes Rugantino from a buffoon to a strong, brave and respected man.

There are more than 50 singers and dancers. With their colorful costumes and scenery, we are transformed to 19th century Rome. The music was terrific, especially the song about Roma and romance. Vincenzo Failla, who plays Mastro Titta, is quite good and steps into his role wholeheartedly.


Gloria Talamas