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'Around the World in 72 Days.'

The journey by Nellie Bly.

By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).Published 5 years ago 3 min read
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Robert Massimi.

In Scena! Is the Italian Theater Festival put on every year in New York City with KIT–Kairos Italy Theater, which is an internationally recognized Theater Company in NY. KIT's mission is to spread Italian Culture, and to create an Italian Culture Network in order to spread the knowledge of Italy in the United States.

In 2001 KIT ITALIA was created to promote Italian Theater in Italy, and abroad. Usually in May, In Scena! Produces shows throughout the city. Twelve shows in all, and three readings encompassed this May. KIT is known to produce high quality, educational shows that are vast, and broad over many historical landscapes.

Last year I had the opportunity to see "We Are Not Alone," at the Cherry Lane Theater. This is a play that deals with mental issues in Italy. Originally produced at La MaMa in the 80s, it had lines around the corner. What was a riveting play, and performance by its lead, this year was no different.

Around The World is a story about Nellie Bly, who travelled around the world in 72 days, back in 1889, beginning 1890. We see her travels on both a teleprompter, and brilliantly acted by Diana Forlani. A solo show done in one hour, Forlani magically performs the adventures of Bly. She takes us from New York City, to London, and onto India, Hong Kong, and other parts of the world.

Along the way, we see Bly's fears, joys, concerns, and her quest to break the world's record. As a woman we see her concerns about traveling alone in a great big world. The passion that Forlani puts forth is one of the best pieces of acting I have seen this year. Self assured, and stylish, Forlani commands the stage. Her emotions and dedication to this role are breathtaking and robust.

Forlani brings us to different places in the world. With the help of the teleprompter we see exactly where she is, and at what time in her travels. India is a place where she is most torn. To her the people are smelly, the country is dirty, and backwards. She is appalled by China. She is witness to the tortures of its people. She thinks Japan is classy, and graceful.

Through Diana Forlani, we see Nellie Bly's passions, and what moves her as a person. She wears one outfit throughout the voyage. Ships, trains, and rickshaws guide her around the world in 72 days. It is only when she gets to San Francisco that she realizes how much this meant to the world. As a woman who accomplishes achievement, she is cheered on like no other women ever has been before.

A simple stage with wonderful direction by Paola Sarcina, the action is machine-gun-fire paced. The music is as joyous as the play itself; simple but elegant. Like life itself, Bly sees the beauty, and the pitfalls of this world. Humble and gracious, Bly captured the world with her determination. Unyielding in her quest to scurry the world in record time, Bly and Forlani did it with style.

In Scena! The Italian Theater Festival, and Laura Caparrotti continue to put out great works. With deep issues and educational content, the actors are always superb. Many of the shows are an hour or so, short, pithy, and fun.

Around The World In 72 Days by Elizabeth Cochrane is a plethora of emotions. Sensational directing makes Bly's challenges both fun, and exciting for the audience. The show is in English subtitles, which makes this whirlwind a ferris wheel of sight and sound.

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About the Creator

Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).

I have been writing on theater since 1982. A graduate from Manhattan College B.S. A member of Alpha Sigma Lambda, which recognizes excellence in both English and Science. I have produced 14 shows on and off Broadway. I've seen over700 shows

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