52nd City

Corleone, Resurrected

Every year, the same resolution: see more local theatre. Every year, the same result: meh, tried but didn't make it. Does it count if I see a re-staging of the same play, across town, with a new lead? I may have to find out.

A couple weeks back, I took advantage of the NPTCO offering of "Corleone: The Shakepearean Godfather," at RAC's theatrical space. After getting my head around the concept for the first few minutes, this life-long "Godfather" fan settled in and enjoyed the production, with its' bare-bones set, gilded language and numerous allusions to subplots of the first "G" film. Enjoyable and it counted
against my resolution.

If you share the same goal for '07 and beyond, get started with this one:

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Just when you thought you were out, The NonProphet Theater Company pulls you back in!
The NonProphet Theater Company is proud to present a special encore presentation of their critically acclaimed production of Corleone ~ The Shakespearean Godfather. Due to popular demand (and six sold-out performances) this wonderful combination of the Bard and La Cosa Nostra will run for a limited engagement at the new Ivory Theater in South St. Louis for two weekends only.

Performances awill be November 9—18, with shows on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 8:00pm.

Corleone - The Shakespearean Godfather is author David C. Mann's brilliant adaptation of Mario Puzo's novel and Frances Ford Coppola's film The Godfather. Mann, however tells the familiar story with a twist: with Shakespearean language. Mann saw many elements of a fine Shakespearean tragedy in Puzo's creation that it was almost a no-brainer to translate the Cosa Nostra classic into something that could have flowed from the pen of Shakespeare himself. Elements of family struggle, good vs. evil, deceit, murder, and a cast of untrustworthy characters kept you riveted to your seat in the theaters, and now they take on a new dynamic at the hands of David Mann.

Performances will take place at the new Ivory Theatre, located at Michigan and Ivory in the Carondolet neighborhood in South St. Louis (7622 Michigan Ave., St. Louis, MO 63111. Parking is available in a secure, lighted parking lot behind the theater. The theater is wheel-chair accessible.

For reservations either call 314-752-5075 or send an email to reservations@nptco.org, and be sure to include the following information: which performance you'd like to attend, how many seats you would like to reserve, and a contact number and/or email address. We will contact you with a confirmation.

Ticket prices are $15 for adults, and $12 for students and seniors.

The show is directed by Robert A. Mitchell, and reprising their roles will be Nicole Angeli, Aaron Orion Baker, Tyson Blanquart, Joseph Garner, Chuck Lavazzi, Jared Nell, Julie Venegoni, and B. Weller.

Unfortunately, due to a prior commitment, Andrew Michael Nieman- who originally played the role of Michael Corleone to rave reviews- will not be able to return for this encore presentation. Filling the role of Michael will be Richard Strelinger, who is no stranger to Shakespeare (having crafted and directed the last seven installments of Hydeware Theatre's Shakespeare in the Park) or to Mario Puzo's classic story and character.

Lighting and set design by Nick Uhlmansiek. Costumes by Russell J. Bettlach. Fight Choreography by Whitney Elmore.