The Italian American Museum Cordially invites you to attend "La Cantata Dei Pastori. A Neapolitan Renaissance Christmas Concert". Wednesday, December 7th, 7:00 PM. Featuring: Internationally Renowned Singer, Percussionist and Dancer Alessandra Belloni and I Giullari di Piazza. Concert to Benefit I Giullari Di Piazza, starring: Neapolitan Singer/Actor, Giuseppe De Falco in the role of Razzullo; Alessandra Belloni in the role of Mary; Mark Mindek as the Angel Gabriel on stilts; Max McGuire as La Befana; Wilson Montuori, guitar; Mara Gerety – in the role of the devil, violin. Refreshments will be served.

The troupe has been performing southern Italian folk music, ritual dance and theater works since 1980. Honoring long time supporters Prof. Mario Fratti, Cav. Josephine A. Maietta, educator Kristine Massari, and Dr. Joseph V. Scelsa, director of the Italian American Museum. The performances include excerpts from "La Cantata Dei Pastori" featuring: La Befana (the Italian Christmas Witch), the Archangel Gabriel on stilts, and Pulcinella from the Italian Commedia dell'Arte.

La Cantata Dei Pastori, is set during Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem, during which the Devil has dispatched demons to stop the birth of Jesus. Along the way, the holy couple's escapades are entwined with the hapless Commedia dell'Arte character called Razzullo, a Neapolitan Pulcinella, played here in traditional style by Giuseppe De Falco. The demons, in the meanwhile, conjure up tempests, dragons, and do all they can to stop the birth, but all are under the protection of the Archangel Gabriel.

The music - tarantellas, villanellas and pastorales - come from traditional sources, with original music by John La Barbera and directed by Susan Eberenz. Adaptation and stage direction by Alessandra Belloni. Songs are sung in Italian and old Neapolitan dialect; costuming and music instrumentation is traditional Southern Italian; narration is in English.

Wednesday, December 7th, 7:00 PM - Italian American Museum - 155 Mulberry Street (Corner of Grand and Mulberry Streets) - New York, NY 10013

$60 (general admission) http://www.everbutton.com/pay/3749

$75 (includes a listing in the program) http://www.everbutton.com/pay/3750

$100 (includes a program listing and a CD of your choice) http://www.everbutton.com/pay/3751

$150 (includes a program listing and Alessandra Belloni's Book - Rhythm is the Cure) http://www.everbutton.com/pay/3752

For reservations, please call the Italian American Museum at 212.965.9000, Email: [email protected] or Fax: 347.810.1028