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Jersey Arts Podcast: American Theater Group Celebrates Family and Heritage with 'My Italy Story'

By Gina Marie Rodriguez, JerseyArts.com

originally published: 10/17/2024

"My Italy Story," written by Joseph Gallo, directed by Charlotte Cohn, and starring Michael Notardonato, is a nostalgic exploration of family, heritage and the ties that bind us. Spurred by pleas to help reunite his fractured family, a young man quits his job as a New York account executive and travels to Vallata — the tiny Italian town of his ancestors. Not until he returns home, however, does he discover a secret that unlocks his past.

Loosely inspired by his own experiences, Gallo wrote and originated the one-man show as an homage to family. He is now passing the reigns to Michael Notardonato who most recently appeared in the off-Broadway musical hit, "Romeo and Bernadette." And you may remember distinguished director, Charlotte Cohn, from one of our previous podcasts covering the play, "Canned Goods."

Jersey Arts speaks to the trio about family, the immigrant experience, and the importance of storytelling. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be Italian to appreciate this play or this podcast.

American Theater Group presents "My Italy Story" from October 24-27, 2024 at Hamilton Stage in Rahway and November 1-3, 2024 at Sieminski Theater in Basking Ridge. Tickets are available for purchase online.




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EVENT PREVIEWS

(MILLVILLE, NJ) -- Following sold out performances and rave reviews across the country, The Golden Girls are back and better than ever with a stage show that's more exciting than a trip to the Rusty Anchor. Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue is returning with a US Fall Tour in 2026 that comes to The Levoy Theatre on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Doors are at 6:00pm, showtime is 7:00pm.
American Theater Group to present East Coast Premiere of "Destroying David" as 2026-27 Season Opener

American Theater Group to present East Coast Premiere of "Destroying David" as 2026-27 Season Opener

(UNION, NJ) -- American Theater Group (ATG) presents the East Coast premiere of Destroying David at the DMK Theater at Union Arts Center from October 9-18 and at the Sieminski Theater from October 23-25, 2026. Destroying David is a thrilling, witty and heartfelt solo show about the power of art to help us through our darkest hours. The play is written and performed by Emmy Award-nominee Jason Odell Williams. ATG's new Producing Artistic Director Charlotte Cohn will direct.
 

FEATURED EVENTS



Stop the Funeral – The Remix Featuring Kierra Sheard

Saturday, October 03, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
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"Coconut Cake" Play-Reading

Sunday, October 04, 2026 @ 4:00pm
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A Beat of Our Own

Wednesday, October 07, 2026 @ 7:30pm
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A Beat of Our Own

Thursday, October 08, 2026 @ 7:30pm
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Vivid Stage presents B.I.N.G.O. (or Brittney Isle’s Nice Geriatric Orgy)

Thursday, October 08, 2026 @ 8:00pm
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