ITALIAN AMERICAN RECONCILIATION
Written by John Patrick Shanley; Directed by Austin Pendleton
The Flea | The Siggy at 20 Thomas St, New York, NY 10007
October 3 - 26, 2025
Photo Credit: Scott Aronow
John Patrick Shanley's play, Italian American Reconciliation, takes its audience on a wild ride of emotions as the characters navigate rejection, loss, heartache, love, passion and even gunfire. But before any of this has an opportunity to stir up something in our soul, the audience at The Flea Theater is warmly welcomed into a world illuminated by lighting designer Annie Garrett-Larsen and greeted by scenic designer Scott Aronow's playful set. Strands of white lights, accompanied by Chinese lanterns decorated as Italian flags, adorn the three sections of the stage. The fountain in a forest motif behind the bar on stage right, the red tablecloth center stage, and the bright terrace adorned with flowers stage left, let us know that we are in for something special.
And something special is what we got.
The audience is greeted by Aldo (Robert Farrior), who promises to teach us a lesson. His car salesman-like approach - accompanied by a suit, hairstyle, and accent that one would expect from a swindler - could put even the most gullible person on alert. However, Farrior's charm and endearing delivery quickly put us at ease as we settled in for whatever this crazy story is going to be.
Aldo introduces us to his good friend, Huey (Wade McCollum), who is going through an existential crisis. Huey feels like he has lost his power and masculinity after divorcing his volatile and cruel wife, Janice (Linda Manning) - even though it's been three years. McCollum plays this part to perfection as we see him struggling with his current state. His vocal inflections and body movements move manically from anxious and confused to frustrated and angry. On the brink, he begs Aldo for help, as he needs to break up with his current girlfriend, Teresa (Mia Gentile), so that he can get back with Janice to recover what he has lost.
Aldo agrees to help Huey, and the plot is off and running.
Gentile, as Teresa, displays a groundedness and authenticity that made us root for her, while simultaneously making us feel sorry for her. Her part was small, but impactful, making us want to see more. Teresa was joined by her Aunt May, played by Mary Testa. Testa gave us this sarcastic, sassy, worldly character with a warmth and comedic timing that was both comfortably expected and needed. The stage lit up when Testa was on it.
The cast is rounded out beautifully by Linda Manning, who gave Janice an edge and gravitas that kept us wondering what she would say next.
Director Austin Pendleton struck gold with this cast. His subtle but effective direction allowed them to shine in their individual parts - finding moments of stillness that were as equally compelling as their moments of explosiveness.
While each actor extends a piece of themselves for the audience to connect to, the real star is the chemistry between Farrior and McCollum. Written in 1986, Shanley has unwittingly created a bromance for the ages. Throwing toxic masculinity aside - or at least acknowledging it - the piece shows how two men can love and support each other through a strong bond of friendship. The nuances Farrior and McCollum utilize to portray the love for their friend are heartwarming and refreshing. They provide a master class in vulnerability as their characters struggle to break the masculine cycle.
Whether you're celebrating Italian Heritage Month or just looking for a solid piece of theater in October, Italian American Reconciliation will be playing at The Flea Theater until October 26.
Click HERE for tickets.
Review by Nick Radu-Blackburn.
Published by Theatre Beyond Broadway on October 12, 2025. All rights reserved.