A.C.T. to Present New Translation of Eduardo De Filippo's NAPOLI!, 2/12-3/9

Continuing its 2013-14 season, American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) travels to 1940s Italy with A.C.T. favorite Marco Barricelli (former Artistic Director of Shakespeare Santa Cruz; Vigil at A.C.T.) and Canada's Stratford Festival star Seana McKenna (Phèdre at A.C.T.), who return to lead the cast of Napoli!, Beatrice Basso and Linda Alper's vivid new translation of Eduardo De Filippo's poignant Italian comedy. During the chaotic days of World War II in Naples, an enterprising woman sets up a small-time black market business in the middle of her home to keep her family afloat. She prospers, but maybe a bit too much-compelling her husband to ask hard questions about morality, civility, and the state of their society. In a war-torn culture in which coffee is like liquid gold, De Filippo's masterful blend of humor and pathos tells the story of an unforgettable and wildly entertaining family determined to make a living even if it means profiteering. Directed by A.C.T. Associate Artistic Director Mark Rucker, this production culminates the Year of Italian Culture in the United States. Napoli! runs February 12-March 9, 2014 at A.C.T.'s Geary Theater (415 Geary Street, San Francisco). Press night is Wednesday, February 19, 2014. Tickets ($20 -$120) are on sale now and may be purchased online at act-sf.org or by calling 415.749.2228.

Says Carey Perloff, Artistic Director of A.C.T.: "We are always eager to bring the magnificent Marco Barricelli back to the Geary stage, and Napoli! provides a wonderful opportunity to pair him with the equally inimitable Seana McKenna. A play filled with the rich bittersweet comedy of postwar Italy, Napoli! introduces a gallery of indelible characters each trying to find a way to survive a ravaged economy and fulfill their dreams. As we contemplate the issue of income inequality in contemporary America, it is fascinating to watch what lengths a family will go to to make a living, even if it means profiteering off one's neighbors and selling illegal goods. I think Napoli! is a play that is going to truly surprise and delight San Francisco audiences!"

The cast for Major Barbara includes Marco Barricelli as Gennaro; Seana McKenna as Amalia; Nick Gabriel as Amedeo; Blair Busbee as Maria Rosaria; Dion Mucciacito as Errico Settebellizze; York Walker as Pascalino; Mike Ryan as Peppe "the Jack"; Anthony Fusco as Riccardo Spasiano; Sharon Lockwood as Adelaide; Lisa Kitchens as Assunta; Gabe Marin as Miezo Prevete; Gregory Wallace as Ciappa; Aaron Moreland as Federico; Lateefah Holder as Donna Peppenella; Danielle Frimer as Teresa; Kemiyondo Coutinho as Margherita; Asher Grodman as The Guard/The Wine Man; and Dillon Heape as Doctor.

The creative team for Napoli! includes scenic designer Erik Flatmo (4000 Miles, Scapin at A.C.T.), costume designer Lydia Tanji (Dead Metaphor, Marcus; or the Secret of Sweet at A.C.T.); lighting designer Robert Wierzel (Arcadia at A.C.T.; Fela! on Broadway) and sound designer Will McCandless (4000 Miles, Higher at A.C.T.).

A.C.T. subscribers enjoy incredible savings, unparalleled access, exclusive benefits, and personalized customer service. Subscriptions can be ordered via the A.C.T. subscriptions office by calling 415.749.2250 or online at www.act-sf.org/subscribe. Subscribers save as much as 33% off single-ticket prices. Full-time students, educators, and administrators with valid ID save up to 50% off select packages. Senior discounts are available for certain series. A.C.T.'s competitive subscriber benefits include free ticket exchanges up to the day of scheduled tickets, priority seating, ticket insurance, access to convenient prepaid parking one block away from the theater, and discounts for neighborhood restaurants. To order a subscription, visit www.act-sf.org/subscribe or call 415.749.2250.