Last Saturday night Ke ‘Olu was transformed into Raphaelo’s Italian Restaurant in Little Italy in New York City. Playing to a full house, Hualalai’s Pretty Pathetic imProvisational Players performed an interactive theater experience called Goodbye Raphaelo.
The late proprietor’s family invited customers of Raphaelo’s as well as family and friends to celebrate Ralphaelo Bufano’s life. And what a family it was! Lee Meriwether played Rosa, his first wife, who still has issues about her ex-husband leaving her, brilliantly. Lee’s daughter, Kyle Oldham, played Lulu Bufano, Raphaelo’s empty-headed trophy wife and spokesmodel on the Food Network. Her portrayal cracked the audience up through out the show.
Raphaelo’s three children were present, too.
- Chef Carmelita was played by Susan Mendelson, whose performance as an über chef was riveting.
- Figgy Bufano was played by Donna Chipps. Donna’s portrayal of a vegan earth muffin kept the audience giggling.
- And Tony Bufano, an all-American guy who wanted to share anything that was USA was played by David Kearns. It was David’s debut as an actor and his performance was great.
Tom Lewis as Uncle Vito, Raphaelo’s connected brother, brought the house down a number of times throughout the evening.
Jahn Sawinski added humor by portraying Guido as a drunk and drugged low level mafia guy and escort to Bam-Bee, played by Lesley Aletter, Lee’s other daughter.
Norma Foster Maddy and Julie Wrigley played themselves on video. And Michael Bonahan did an excellent job keeping the show moving as the MC and Raphaelo’s partner on the Food Network.
Some of the audience members participated by providing eulogies about Raphaelo. Others were called upon to help prepare some of the food for the evening.
Everyone left singing That’s Amore and laughing up a storm.
Goodbye Raphaelo was written and directed by Mike Sack and John Saul.
This was the second show the Pretty Pathetic imProvisational Players have put on. Last year EternaLife was a hit and now Goodbye Raphaelo is considered a contender for best theater at Ke ‘Olu.
OMG…loved “Good-bye Raphealo”!
Margaret Kearns
I loved every minute, even tho I had to pull myself together for my “Big Moment” eulogizing dear departed cousin Raphaelo! (not to mention my small moment as Carmelita’s helper.) What a team you assembled!
Connie McHugh
A theatrical triumph! You all must be so pleased!
Barbara Britt
Bravo!! It was so much fun tonight! And, oh so clever. I can honestly say that I have never seen Dave have so much fun at a theatrical event. 🙂
Nancy Boschwitz
Review written by Mike Sack (What do you think? I would’ve panned it?)
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