Tested in East Meadow, local play runs In NYC
Vincent Amelio, a playwright, teacher and Manhasset resident is the next to secure a seat on the town’s exceedingly successful roster.
Amelio’s latest play, How Alfo Learned to Love Women, tells the story of a young man in search of romance. Since 2004, the Off-Broadway production has traveled from evenings of dinner theatre at Borrelli’s Italian Restaurant in East Meadow to its new home in the National Opera-America Center in Manhattan. In the play, protagonist Alfo Idello is in early middle age and struggling to grow up—at least in his relationships to women. With the help of his smoking-hot lady psychiatrist, the 34-year-old commitment-phobe re-lives his teenage years growing up in 1970’s Brooklyn and working in the family’s Italian bakery. Alfo’s father, now in charge of the bakery, won’t pass the business along until his son is married. Alfo’s dead grandfather, trapped in a purgatorial traffic jam on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, must return to earth and teach Alfo how to love a woman.
Amelio’s motivation was, in part, to offer audiences a view of Italian-Americans that goes beyond Hollywood Mafioso stereotypes. How Alfo Learned to Love Women recounts the story of a relatable, Italian-American family; Alfo is an ordinary person just trying to do a good thing.
“People are inundated with Italian-American TV role models who are uneducated mafia thugs,” Amelio says. “They need to have role models that are not stereotypes.”
In the early stages of pre-production, Amelio enlisted the help of David Patterson, who is a fellow playwright (of Disney’s Bridge to Terabithia), and happens to be Manhasset Park Commissioner. Together they formed the Al Dente Theater Company, which promotes positive Italian-American figures. Patterson recommended that Amelio meet with Christian Thom, a graduate of Munsey Park School and Manhasset High School.
The pieces really started to fall into place in the Starbucks on Plandome Road. It was there that Thom read over Amelio’s script and, together, they brought Alfo to life. Christian Thom now doubles as the comedy’s co-producer and star. He plays Alfo at age 16 and 32.
Amelio says all the casting was done through word of mouth: “I never had to put an ad out for actor. We worked through recommendations from people we trusted and respected.” The final cast includes Christian Thom (Peripheral Vision), and Armen Garo (The Departed, American Hustle, and The Wolf of Wall Street), and is directed by Bobby Funaro (The Sopranos).
Amelio teaches Modern Drama at Great Neck South High School. He was able to give his students an authentic look at the industry and let them aid in the writing process.
“They’re very perceptive,” said Amelio. “Students will tell you when something is or is not working, and they did.” Because Amelio’s script has gone through both professional and teenage filters, his characters are extremely easy to relate to.
“I believe that people need plays that are about ordinary people trying to do positive things and trying to love and raise families. This is what I see in Nassau County,” Amelio observed. With an 80-year-old grandfather trying to save his family, teenage romance, and a 30-something Alfo trying to navigate his way to love, How Alfo Learned to Love Women speaks to a wide range of ages.
How Alfo Learned to Love Women will be playing at the National Opera-America Center, 330 Seventh Ave. (at 29th St.), 7th floor through Oct. 18. All tickets are $18. For details or to purchase tickets, visit www.howalfolearnedtolovewomen.com/home.html.
