By: Darryl Reilly
“What a country! It takes five minutes now to make spaghetti-Chef Boyardee!” Is among the assortment of zesty zingers in the uproarious and moving fantasia Sacco & Vanzetti Are Dead! Co-writers Joey DeFilippis and Matt Ferrara’s witty and impeccably researched treatment of the tragic fates of those early 20th century fall guys is in the cynical tradition of The Front Page and the musical Chicago, with absurdism out of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. A small puppet riotously takes the witness stand and mirthful anachronistic asides include “Attica! Attica! Attica!” and “If the cap doesn’t fit, you must acquit!” Hilarity melds with pathos, the finale of implied dual executions in electric chairs is shattering and is followed by simulated vintage newsreel footage placing the dramatized facts we just watched into historical context.
The 1920 robbery of a Massachusetts shoe company left two employees shot to death. Italian immigrants and anarchists Nicola Sacco (1891-1927) and Bartolomeo Vanzetti (1888-1927) were soon arrested for the murders. Over the next seven years there were trials, convictions, appeals, and finally executions. The case attracted worldwide attention as many believed the two were innocent and persecuted because of their ethnicity. The American intelligentsia took this cause up and there were protests, labor strikes, and civil unrest throughout the United States.
Mr. DeFilippis and Mr. Ferrara vividly portray the titular shoemaker and fish peddler, each offer soulful and comic characterizations evoking the humanity of the doomed pair. Delightfully in overdrive is Michael Gardiner as their over-the-top defense attorney who grandly pulls a gun during a press conference. The lean and animated Daniel Yaiullo is supremely unctuous as the wily prosecutor, forcefully channeling a weaselly 1930’s Warner Brothers crime drama figure. Magnetic Bret Raybould is simultaneously antic and chilling as the patrician Dartmouth graduate judge. The alluring Ilana Schimmel is tremendously poignant as the feisty Mrs. Sacco who rolls cigars in a factory. Vivacious Danielle MacMath plays several archetypal roles with old-time Hollywood wisecracking flair. The lithe and commanding Ryan O’Toole’s is jolting in his stock character parts of a fierce cop, a witness and the crooked governor. The ferocious ensemble is rounded out by the personable Francesco Baldino.
The bustling small-scale production is picturesquely co-directed by DeFilippis and Ferrara; snappy pacing, comedic and dramatic emphasis, and factual detail, all abound. Scenic designers and prop masters Miles Bettinelli and Pat Langlitz’s artfully simple set depicts the courtroom, a jail cell, a train, and various other locations with clarity and allows for swift scene transitions. These are abetted by Sofia Maravillas’ skillful lighting and sound supervision. The uncredited costume design authentically suggests the era, At the performance under review the production was efficiently overseen by stage manager Andrew DeFilippis.
This New York City premiere of Sacco & Vanzetti Are Dead! is an intelligent entertainment which lightheartedly yet soberly explores a fascinating chapter of American history.
Sacco & Vanzetti Are Dead! (through July 27, 2025)
Good Crack Productions
The American Theatre of Actors, 314 West 54th Street
For tickets, visit www.saccoandvanzettiaredead.com
Running time: two hours and 30 minutes including one intermission