What happens when a young Franco-Italian man comes out to his conservative, Montreal-based family? At Théâtre du Nouvel Ontario's 38th community production, Mambo Italiano, comedy ensues.
Steve Gallucio's Fellini-style comedy (translated by Michel Tremblay) follows Angelo, whose parents have discovered is in love with another man.
"The entire show is him coming out to his parents and then reckoning with family and cultural pressures on what it means to be gay," says Alex Tétrault. "Angelo is a complicated individual."
TNO's community production is directed by first-timer Ryan Demers, who starred in "Rearview," a TNO-Sudbury Theatre Centre co-production.
"I can't believe that I can mount a gay play with members of the community for our community. It's a dream come true," Demers said. "(And) the first show has already sold out."
Mambo Italiano runs at Théâtre du Nouvel Ontario from Jan. 25 until Feb. 3. A special "TNO Gourmet Package" includes dinner before the Feb. 1 show at 6 p.m., for an extra $30.
For tickets, contact the TNO Box Office at (705) 525-5606, ext. 4, or purchase online at leTNO.ca .
Donations and non-perishable food items will be collected for the Sudbury Food Bank throughout the show's run.
