Steven Scionti Brings Middletown to Oddfellows

Middletown native and actor Steve Scionti will bring his one man show, Hear What’s in the Heart: A Shoemaker’s Tale to Middletown’s Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater, for an extended engagement.  The new draft of the play is co-written and directed by Tony Award -winner Anthony Crivello, who recently completed a run on Broadway of Clifford Odet’s Golden Boy. Scionti will also be leading a workshop in Meisner technique for the Teen Repertory Company this April. 

 Hear What’s in the Heart is set against the backdrop of a post-funeral gathering to celebrate the life of Scionti’s grandfather, Angelo Morello (who owned Angelo’s Shoe Repair on Main Street in Middletown.)  Taking us through the funeral day’s events, Scionti paints a theatrical family portrait in a series of humorous and poignant vignettes, transforming himself into various family members and friends.

 
 Steve Scionti grew up in Middletown, CT.  He attended Xavier High School.  But his heart yearned for something other than the family business.  He wanted to sing.  He wanted to dance.  With the guidance and support of his grandfather, Hear What’s in the Heart tells the auto-biographical tale of Scionti’s youth and journey to performances on stage and films in Los Angeles and New York. 
This family tale begins a six week run on Thursday May 16, 2013.  The show will continue weekly on Thursday nights through June 20, 2013.  All performances are set for 7:30pm.  

“We are excited to have Steve here to tell his story.  It is an important story for our young people to experience.  This is a story about family, about Middletown and about growing up to pursue your dreams,” said Executive Director Matt Pugliese.

The show, which has played to sold-out houses at the Zephyr Theater in Los Angeles, as well as shows in Westchester and New York City.  It was selected to be in the 2009 NY Fringe Festival.  The show played two nights at the Wesleyan University Center for the Arts in the summer of 2012.

50th Anniversary of Italian-American Civic Order

The Italian-American Civic Order (IACO) will hold a formal dinner on Saturday, October 1st at the Italian Society Banquet Hall on 72 Court Street in Middletown to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its establishment. The IACO, which has its headquarters at 550 Arbutus Street in Middletown, is the oldest continuous Italian club in Middlesex County. Festivities will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will include music, hors d'oeuvres, dinner and a cash bar. Chairman for the event is Attorney Joe Milardo with the remaining founding members, J.J. Vinci, Sr., Atty. Carl Fortuna and Jesse Salafia, acting as Honorary Chairmen.

The event will include a short program moderated by Joseph J. Vinci, Jr. and will feature the presentation of a Proclamation from the City of Middletown by Mayor Sebastian Giuliano. State Representative Joe Serra, State Sen. Paul Doyle, State Sen. Len Suzio, and other state and local dignitaries and candidates for office from each political party will be recognized. Tickets are $60 each and are available at the law office of Attorney Milardo (860-347-4686), or from Lou Aresco, President of the IACO, or at the IACO club hall at 550 Arbutus Street in Middletown. Reservations are required.

The IACO is a nonpolitical organization. It was formed in 1961 and some of the purposes for its formation, as stated in its By-Laws, include giving primacy to the human and spiritual, rather than to the material values of life; encouraging in our daily lives the golden rule in all human relationships; promoting the adoption and the appreciation of higher social, business and professional standards, developing by precept and example a more intelligent, aggressive and serviceable citizenship; providing a practical means to form enduring friendships, to render true service and to build a better community; cooperating in creating and maintaining sound public opinion and higher idealism to make possible an increase in righteousness, justice, patriotism and good will among all mankind.

The IACO sponsors monthly dinners and cultural events at its building on Arbutus Street for its members and friends. It is assisted in its endeavors by its Ladies Auxiliary.

Amazing Grace Grinder Fundraiser

From Rochelle Hughes, a report of a fundraiser for the Amazing Grace Food Pantry sponsored by St. Francis of Assisi Church and The Italian American Civic Order.