Everyone has a favorite uncle or special grandfather — like the character Ralph Bellini, who is portrayed to perfection by Will David Young in the Purple Rose Theatre Company’s current production “The Last Romance” by Joe DiPietro and directed by Michelle Mountain.
From his first moment on stage, you feel like you know him. He made us laugh and then he made us cry and all the while, we were hanging onto his every fast-paced word. Playwright DiPietro’s dialog was witty and natural and made us feel that we were embroiled in our own family crisis.
Franette Liebow, as Carol Reynolds, took us on a journey of change and we willingly went with her. From being skeptical of Ralph to becoming interested in him, Liebow fell under his spell.
As Ralph’s overly devoted spinster sister, Rose Tagliatelle, made us want to yell at her, then kiss her and maybe yell at her again – while loving her at the same time.
A musical addition was The Young Man character who sang Italian opera and played by Ryan Dooley during press preview night. His beautiful voice cleverly helped change the location of the play — a musical theme that ran throughout the production. Throughout the run, he will share this part with Andrew Buckshaw.
Okay, I haven’t mentioned the appearance of the dog. It is true, Peaches is very cute. She could have stolen our hearts had we not already given them away to Ralph, Carol and even Rose.
The spontaneous standing ovation at the play’s conclusion was enthusiastic and well deserved.
This production of “The Last Romance” is a must see and will continue thru Aug.30. For ticket information please call 433-7673 or click here.
