Audience participation makes 'The Contraltos' sing

The cast members play their parts to the hilt.
By L. CROW
Vindicator Correspondent
Most people have heard of the HBO hit "The Sopranos," but how about "The Contraltos?"
Holiday Inn MetroPlex in Liberty has just opened a new dinner theater production, and this one offers lots of laughs and good fun.
It was written by Canton playwright Jan H. Kennedy, a well-known writer in the area, who has this time brought his own cast and crew from Canton to perform in the production. He said he wanted local audiences to experience his particular style, which incorporates lots of ad-libbing and freedom for the actors, potentially adding a sense of spontaneity and freshness to each performance. Ingrid Roth is the director.
The other essential element Kennedy's plays require is major audience participation, so if you're shy about that sort of thing, don't come to this one. It was the interaction with the crowd that provided some of the evening's best laughs, and the audience quickly caught on and played along to the hilt. There were lots of hams sitting in those chairs!
No waiting
In fact, the actors began mingling with the crowd as we were being seated. We all became guests at Tony's birthday party, and cast members came around asking if we were good friends of the family, and what part of Florida we lived in, momentarily perplexing everybody, but once we "got it," it became a match of wits between us and them.
We began with appetizers and salad, then the main stage action began. The cast consisted of the Contralto family,: Tony; his wife, Constanza; their daughter, Maria; Tony's lifelong friend, an international star, Frank Sonata; and his tidbit, Carrie Okie, supposedly an up-and-coming star; and lastly, Tony's most faithful friend, Mario "Pasta Face" Mozzarella.
Mob boss Tony Contralto moved his family from New York to Miami Beach 20 years ago but is starting to be bothered by illegal Cuban immigrants who are infiltrating his "garbage union." The play begins on their beach-side patio, where, unknown to Tony, his family has planned a surprise birthday party. But there are some tensions,; old romances reignite, tempers flare, conversations are overheard, and just at the climax ... dinner is served to all of us.
But during dinner, someone gets killed, and it's up to us to figure out who did it. Meanwhile, we are entertained by singing talent, Frank Sonata, with highlights from his new album. Played by Michael O'Brien, this guy really can sing.
Excellent cast
In fact, all these characters are well-cast. Kathy Lewis as Constanza, delights in her material possessions and comfort, loves her daughter with a passion, and knows when to keep her mouth shut and not ask questions,: the perfect Mafia mama. Daughter Maria was played on opening night by understudy Caroline Amer, who, amazingly, had only one rehearsal with the group, and it was earlier that day. Since there was no bio on her, we don't know much, but judging from the gorgeous solo she sang, she has been well-trained in music. Tony, played by Chuck Simon, is known locally at the Youngstown Playhouse, Salem Community Theater, and The Oakland, where he will appear in March in "Death of a Salesman." Deborah Hanlin played Frank's bimbo, Carrie, and she had a few surprises.
But the one who really went far over the top was David Griffith, as Mario "Pasta Face," who began his antics from the moment people walked in the door, and he never slowed down. As he said, he put the F-U- in fun.
One negative
This performance is well worth the money. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about the food, which was just adequate. However, the over-all evening was on the plus side, and if you like zany dinner theater, you'll love this one.
It continues for the next three Saturdays, then will switch to Fridays. Dinner begins at 7 p.m. Call (330) 759-0606 for ticket information.