“The Rose Tattoo” at Second Story Theater

By Richard Pacheco

Tennessee Williams is not known for his light hearted theatrical fare, but “The Rose Tattoo” currently paying at the Second Story Theatre is just that and it is a sheer delight, an adult fairy tale that charms and offers many laughs along the way. It is endearing and heartwarming, a sexy romantic comedy that leaves you with a lasting smile. It is set in a small fishing village in the Gulf Coast. Serafina Delle Rose is a dressmaker who has know the glory of love. After her husband’s death she withdraws from the world and expects her daughter to do the same—except her daughter has just discovered boys, in her case a young sailor whose sister goes to school with her. Serafina is adamant until a young truck driver arrives in town and her attitudes begin to change. It won the 1951 Tony Award for Best Play. Williams originally wrote the role for Italian actress Anna Magniani but she wasn’t’ able to do it although she performed the role in the film in 1955 and won an Academy Award.

Rae Mancini is the determined and indomitable Serafina. It is a masterful performance, one filled with heart, passion and sincerity.  Serafina worships the memory of her dead husband. Her meaning in life comes from that love and her devotion to her religion, in particular Our Lady.

Ara Bohigian is the truck driver, Alvaro, who ends up in town and at Serafina’s house.  Alvao is a mixture of overly sensitive and the grandson of the village idiot, he constantly says. Bohigian is a delight in the role, very funny and  hitting the character’s peculiarities and passion with finesse.

The scenes between Serafina and Alvaro when he is crying are hilarious.  The passion the evolves between them is vivid and compelling.

Valerie Westgate is Serafina’s daughter, Rosa, a young woman who has suddenly become aware of the opposite sex and her own sexuality as her mother is withdrawing from the world. The confrontations with her mother are wonderful. Westgate is charming and provocative in the role. Her scenes with Iacovelli as the young sail rawer winning and fun.

Andrew Iacovelli is the young sailor, Jack, a young man torn between his attraction for Rosa and his religious upbringing. Iacovelli is full of energy and sincerity in the role, the perfect foil for Westgate.

The rest of the large cast makes it all vivid and fleshes it all it, from Liz Hallenbeck s the witchy Strega, to  Vince Petronio as Father De Leo,  Jim Sullivan as the salesman,  to Emily Lewis as Flora and Gail Hanrahan as Bessie are all delightful and fun.

There are so many solid and rich scenes in here such as when Serafina, being mother Inquisitor, makes Jack promise to the Virgin Mary on his knees that he will respect Rosa no matter what. Or the scenes between Serafina and Alvaro, from the crying scene, to the drinking scene to when they first feel the attraction for each other and how ti develops. The scene where Serafina learns a disturbing disruption of her view of her dead husband is also a a treat.

Director Ed Shea is adept with a large cast 19, handling them with flair and a clear sense of purpose. They all have wonderful Italian accents.

Trevor Eliet’s turntable set is a marvel, hinting at shutters and windows, a parch and door as well as a living and dining room.  It is chic and impressive. Ron Cesario’s costumes in a 1950’s fashion are accurate and charming.

            The cast gets a well deserved standing ovation for a job well done.

Tickets are $25, age 21 and under tickets are $20. You can call the box office at 401-247-4208 or check the website at www.2ndStoryTheatre.com for more information.

"The Rose Tattoo" (2 - 26 May)

2ND STORY THEATRE

@ 28 Market Street, WARREN RI

1(401247-4200