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Follow on Google News | Theatre Exile Presents World Premiere of RIZZO by Bruce Graham from October 15 to November 8, 2015Theatre Exile begins their 19th season by searching for the moral center with the world premiere of Rizzo, by award-winning playwright and South Philadelphia resident Bruce Graham.
From beat cop, to Police Commissioner, to Mayor of Philadelphia, this highly anticipated production explores the life of Frank ‘Big Bambino’ Rizzo as he prepares for the 1991 mayoral election. A big guy that left an even bigger impression, Rizzo governed with a street-brawler’ “Rizzo brings to the stage a character that was loved by some, hated by others, and talked about by everyone,” said Exile Founding Artistic Director Joe Canuso. “A larger than life personality like Rizzo didn’t live in a vacuum. Was he the bold and swift problem solver, or the bully that ruled with fear and intimidation? While Canuso only met the Mayor once, he followed him regularly through the press and on television. “I am just as conflicted about Rizzo now as I was years ago. The play’s story is so relevant to what’s still happening in the country today. We still struggle with racial unrest, economic instability and class warfare. My hope is that Rizzo will help us look back, clear our heads, learn from our mistakes and move us forward.” Rizzo is directed by Canuso, and stars in the title role Scott Greer, who is nominated for a 2015 Barrymore Award for both Theatre Exile’s The Whale and 1812 Productions’ Cast members playing multiple roles will include Amanda Schoonover (Carmella Rizzo, Shelley Yanoff), Akeem Davis (Jim Turner, Cecil B. Moore), Robert DaPonte (Warren Holmes, Stan Bohrman) and William Rahill (Ralph Rizzo, Pete Camiel, Thomas Magrann). Rizzo will be set in a South Philly row home, recreated by John Hoey (scenographer) The tale of the former big city mayor represents the first commissioned work for Theatre Exile. Back in 2014, Theatre Exile presented a reading of an early draft during Studio X-hibition, Theatre Exile’s New Play Development Series. Graham knew from the start that the play’s subject would divide the audience but he argued that is what makes for good theater. “Anyone who divides people the way he did has got to make a great character,” said Graham. Following the workshop reading, Theatre Exile worked with Graham and commissioned their first play, based on Sal Paolantonio’ Rizzo starts previews on October 15, opens on October 21, and runs 26 performances through November 8, 2015. Shows on Wednesdays and Fridays run at 8:00pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:00pm, Saturdays at 3:00pm and 8:00pm, and Sundays at 3:00pm. All shows will be held at Christ Church Neighborhood Center (20 N American Street) in Old City District. Tickets are on sale now for $10.00 to $40.00 at www.theatreexile.org or by phone (215) 218-4022. For more on Theatre Exile, follow @theatreexile on Twitter and Theatre Exile on Facebook. End
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