L'Italo-Americano

A wonderful night in Venice with L'Italo-Americano Damian D. Capozzola, past President Thomas P. Cacciatore and other board members, ICF President Nick D'Egidio, Marisa Antonini, President of the Marisa Antonini Foundation, and American actor Lee Curreri (Fame). As soon as the doors opened, the guests were welcomed enter- tained everybody with jokes and jests by masked characters typi- cal of the Italian Commedia dell'Arte tradition: Arlecchino, Pantalone, and Colombina, played by actors from the renowned company Actors' Gang. The appetizers were served, immediately revealing the authentic Venetian inspiration of the exquisite menu, including baccalà, polenta, and bigoli pasta. After that, Master of Ceremonies Fernando J. Scarpa took the stage to introduce the protagonists and to illustrate the sense of this celebration. He underlined the importance of L'Italo-Americano to preserve the unity and identity of the Italian community over the years, and he briefly recalled its history from the very origin in 1908. The Emcee also thanked the publisher, Mr. Robert J. Barbera and his wife Josephine for the long standing commit- ment, as well as for the organiza- tion of such a pleasant evening with the collaboration of the L'Italo-Americano THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014 www.italoamericano.com 16 THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014 newspaper's staff and Michela Magrì, Deputy Director of the Italian Cultural Institute of Los Angeles. Amusing and very well- orchestrated, the Commedia dell'Arte show was intended to engage the public in the funny vicissitudes of two young lovers – a heavy drinker Arlecchino and an excessively emotional Colombina -, opposed by her old father Pantalone who would like to give her in marriage to some wealthy business man in the room. In order to escape Pantalone's fury, the guests were invited to wear their complimen- tary masks, enabling poor Arlecchino to conceal himself among them. Of course, the mar- riage was allowed in the end, also thanks to the persuading voice of extraordinary Italian soprano Elisabetta Russo. Accompanied by talented Russian pianist Vladimir Khomyakov, Elisabetta Russo's performance - featuring O mio babbino caro by G. Puccini, Ah, je veux vivre from Roméo and Juliette by C. Gounod, Nuit d'étoiles by C. Debussy, and La vie en rose by Edit Piaf – was delightful and unanimously appreciated. According to Emcee Fernando J. Scarpa, the discreet entertain- ment was effectively calibrated to avoid exaggerating and dis- tracting the attention from the guest of honor: L'Italo- Americano. Before the final greetings, Consul General of Italy Giuseppe Perrone was invited on stage to say a few words in recognition of the newspaper's effort to keep its ties with Italy, so as to present a truthful and up-to-date image of the Country, and at the same time to cover local events and news in a pro- fessional, modern, and interest- ing manner. Finally, he intro- duced L'Italo-Americano owner, Commendatore Robert J. Barbera, as "an enlightened indi- vidual who is always on the front line when it comes to pro- moting the Italian language, cul- ture, and values." Mr. Barbera expressed his heartfelt appreciation to all the attendees who participated in the Gala despite the heavy rain, and his wish to make this "an annual affair" with either the same or a different theme, depending on the public's feedback. He also underlined the charity end of the fundraiser intended to benefit both the newspaper and St. Peter's Church-Casa Italiana, and praised the continuous development of the paper. In particular, he said that the increasing success of the web site represents "a fantastic way into the future", without giving up the print version but passing the knowledge of the Italian cul- ture on to the new generations of Italian Americans. "L'Italo- Americano helps to keep the community together, and it will continue to serve it for another 106 years and more", he assured. The joyful celebration ended with an extremely rich raffle, including prestigious prizes like the tickets to world-famous Italian composer Ennio Morricone's concert in Los Angeles. It was made possible thanks to the generosity of many loyal sponsors such as Pasquini Espresso, Il Fornaio Beverly Hills, Gioia Company, Expert Travel, Fondazione Italia, Peroni, Massimo Gallotta Productions, Grando Chocolate, Nubar, and D'Aquino. L'Italo-Americano director Simone Schiavinato and publisher Robert J. Barbera. Photo: Massimiliano Leanza Soprano Elisabetta Russo and pianist Vladimir Khomyakov. Photo: Massimiliano Leanza Continued from page 1 Fernando Scarpa with Arlecchino, Pantalone, and Colombina, played by actors from the renowned company Actors' Gang . Photo: Massimiliano Leanza Ann Potenza president of Federated Italo-Americans of Southern California and Michela Magri (IIC). Photo: Massimiliano Leanza

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