← January, 1993

Review: Spaghetti and Apple Pie

Group Repertory Theatre, 10900 Burbank Boulevard, NoHo Arts District, (818) 761-1823

by Bill Wilson

Sam Adamo’s “Spaghetti and Apple Pie” is the semi-autobiographical story of the Lorenzo family, thrown into crisis as old and new values collide. The story begins in an overcrowded tenement, where Anna (Sherry Adamo) and Frank (Robert Gallo) confront an educated and Americanized daughter (Geri Barron) and a son who has fallen for a non-Italian American (Mike Smith). To make matters worse, he isn’t even Catholic. Contributing to the overcrowded feeling is Nonno (Tony Saladino), who is in a perpetual state of mourning for his deceased wife, and Nono (Sam Adamo), the household patriarch from the old country.

The play is anchored by the strong performances of Sherry Adamo and Robert Gallo, who portray a couple struggling to make a home—occasionally, sometimes violently, confronting each other, but obviously respecting and loving each other in the end. Gallo’s delivery lacks a strong Italian accent, which weakens his references to the old country. Sherry Adamo’s part is well-written; she carries the show.

The strength of Sherry Adamo’s character probably has something to do with the fact that it was written by her father especially for her. More evidence of some family talent is shown in the excellent set designed by Pavia Adamo-Franklin, who created the tenement room that is so key to the show.

While the leads performed well, there are shortcomings in the supporting cast. The main problem was casting non-Italians in the Italian roles. The accents were attempted but unconvincing. Robert Gallo didn’t even attempt his Italian accent and instead relied on his New York accent to carry him through. Geri Allen was much better with her Irish accent as Maureen, Nonno’s lively lover. ♦