ONCE UPON A PIZZERIA
Reviewed by Doreen Nicholl
The vibe is pure Charly Chiarelli! Original music, multiple harmonicas, cartoons, audience participation and a plot that will keep the whole family happy! What more could you ask for?
Well, if you’re little Luigi, grandson of Nonna Maria, the best pizza maker in Hamilton, then you would ask for a round pizza so you could be like all the other mangia-cake kids at school. But it’s important to remember to be careful what you wish for!
Find out what happens when Nonna Maria and Luigi break with tradition to make a round pizza laden with all the best herbs and ingredients that actually comes to life, taking the audience on an unforgettable mouth-watering adventure.
Chiarelli, of course, plays the perfect Nonna along with the hippist street musician, a few hungry teenage boys and a bicycle-riding cop. Meanwhile, Chiarelli’s sidekick, Mr. Jay Shand, expertly narrates the adventure while very convincingly playing little Luigi as well as an unhoused veteran who spent time in Italy during the war.
Be sure to brush up on your singing, and you might want to listen to Dean Martin singing That’s Amore. Oh, yeah, and I suggest ordering a great big square slice pizza earlier in the day so that when you get home, you’re all set because, man, you are going to be craving more than a slice or two.
With just one swear word and original art by Barbara Mead, Once Upon A Pizzeria is a brilliant way to introduce kids to the world of theatre and makes for a great first date night, followed by delicious Hamilton-made pizza, of course.
Event Details
Kids Under 12: $5
Kids Under 2: FREE!
Age Suitability: All Ages (everyone, including young children and sensitive viewers)
Genre: Theatre—Comedy, Musical/Concert/Opera, Storytelling/Solo Show
Run Time: 60 mins
Playwright/Performer/Musician
Charly Chiarelli
Director/Performer
Jay Shand
Stage Manager/Technical support
Barbara Mead
Warnings
None