Meeting Italian superstar Monica Bellucci in midtown Manhattan turns out to be a pretty refreshing afternoon outing. Exuding the sort of innate confidence and beauty that the 58-year-old actress and model has been known for since first catapulting on the public scene, Bellucci reminds this particular writer that the world outside of New York is one ruled by a sense of calm and appreciation for the small things in life. Sure, I'm biased: I was born and raised in Italy and Bellucci has always been the embodiment of the country's most reliable strengths: tranquility, love of life and intrinsic charm.

Alas, Bellucci's Mediterranean flair might be exactly what also landed her the part of Greek opera legend Maria Callas in the one-woman show Maria Callas: Letters and Memoirs by Tom Volf, set to play at the Beacon Theatre for one night only on Friday, January 27, 2023.