Playbill Info

Courting Italians

Fri, Dec 11, in Stratford
86 Abraham Dr, 7 PM

Sat, Dec 12, in Toronto
115 Danforth Ave, 2.30 PM

Sun, Dec 13, in Guelph
River Run Centre, 2.30 PM

No ticketing for these events; no admission charged
Reservations required

If you would like to attend, please email: dbeattie@execulink.com


Courting Italians is a new comedy/drama set in an out-of-the-way restaurant not far from Rome during the dark days of German occupation, following Italy's surrender to the Allies (September, 1943).

The restaurant's proprietor and cook, men in their forties, are preparing to serve lunch to the local German commandant, their first customer in three years, when a beautiful young woman, a refugee from the devastated city of Naples, knocks on their door and asks for a job.

The cook is against the idea. They can't afford her; they know nothing about her. But the proprietor is won over.

At first the idea seems inspired. The woman is an excellent waitress, eager to do well. The commandant takes a shine to her; other influential customers are equally charmed. In spite of food shortages the restaurant is busy.

But then two men from her Neapolitan past show up, and the commandant's attentions turn dangerously amorous. Before they know it, the cook and proprietor are caught in a web of intrigue which threatens not just their livelihood but their lives as well.

Courting Italians is a love story played out in a dangerous environment. It's about the effect of war not just on combatants but on bystanders as well. It's about what happens to the charity, truthfulness and trust of ordinary people when strained to the breaking point.

And it expresses the playwright's deep conviction that even in the harshest conditions, life demands to be lived, that desire is irrepressible, and silliness, unavoidable, even when agonizing decisions must be made and heroic acts, undertaken.

Re-visit this page soon for information on the seven extraordinary actors who will bring this play to life.