By Betty Lou Roselle

I had no idea when I sat down to watch the latest musical on the Players Club of Swarthmore’s stage that it would be the best musical I had seen in years. No More Chill is a must see!

Every element is top notch in this production. Aiden Abiuso is stellar as Jeremy Heere. The young actor possesses comic timing and an incredible singing voice delivering a sincere portrayal of the insecurity we all suffer at one point in our youth.

Casey Lynch as his best friend Michael is terrific. He takes the song ‘Michael in the Bathroom’ to new heights keeping the humor and the sadness in perfect balance.

Mack Noelle as Christine Canigula has that quality of mystery that makes young men want to find out more. Her amazing voice matches the passion she feels. Casey Bilger is great as Brooke Lohst (the popular girl in school) as is her best friend Cassidy Else (Chloe) who does a wonderful job of showing her vulnerability.

Gian Verderose and Trent Bonner are spot on as the bullies who prey on a student like Jeremy because they are covering up their own insecurities. Kylah Monet is lovely as Jenna Rolan.

John Castertano is show his skills playing a number of characters. He will touch your heart as Jeremy’s father who is so devastated by his wife’s leaving, he neglects to see the hurt Jeremy is feeling.

Michael Mann turns in a memorable performance as The Squib. Anyone called to play the role of a super computer should see this.

The Ensemble includes Jason Boyer, Emily Murphy, Amelia SanFilippo and Katie Young. Producer Rose L. Azrael and Director Sean McDermott have brought together an incredible cast that can sing, dance and act both comedy and drama.

The live orchestra was outstanding along with everything else. There is not one weak link in this show.

Don’t miss this production! There are only four shows left, March 19, 20, 21 (two shows on Saturday).

Visit Players Club of Swarthmore website at pcstheater.org, @pcs.theater. Call the box office at 610-328-4271. The theater is located at 614 Fairview Rd., Swarthmore, PA 19081.

Post expires at 1:03pm on Monday March 23rd, 2026

Curio Theatre Company presents the world premiere of “Sacco & Vanzetti: A Tragedia dell’Arte,” a bold new work written by, directed, and starring John Bellomo. Blending political history with the heightened physicality and archetypes of commedia dell’arte, this original production revisits one of the most controversial trials of the 20th century through a sharply theatrical lens.

In 1919, Italian immigrants and self-proclaimed anarchists Nicola Sacco (John Bellomo) and Bartolomeo Vanzetti (Renato Arcuri) were arrested for the robbery of a Massachusetts shoe factory and the murder of its paymaster and a guard. Their trial, conviction, and eventual executions ignited international outrage, with critics arguing that anti-immigrant sentiment and political prejudice shaped the proceedings more than evidence. The ensemble is rounded out by Paul Kuhn, Aetna Gallagher, Paul Harrold, Tessa Kuhn, Ren Bailey, and Sharee Thinner.

The cast of Curio Theatre Company’s “Sacco & Vanzetti: A Tragedia dell’Arte” by John Bellomo.

“The story of Sacco and Vanzetti has largely been forgotten in the U.S., and unfortunately we are witnessing history repeating itself,” says John Bellomo. “Looking at the current treatment of immigrants in the U.S. and the methods used to curb immigration, it’s clear that not much has changed since the great wave of Italian immigrants arrived here. Much of the anti-Italian immigrant language from 100 years ago could be dropped into today’s rhetoric about Latin American immigrants with little to no change. What is especially troubling is that many who perpetuate this discrimination against Latin American immigrants today are themselves descendants of Italian immigrants. The use of commedia dell’arte highlights the absurdity of the case while serving as a foil to the tragic events of Sacco and Vanzetti’s lives.”

“Sacco & Vanzetti: A Tragedia dell’Arte” reframes this historical injustice through the stylized conventions of commedia dell’arte, exposing the absurdity of the case while underscoring the deeply human tragedy at its core. Mask, movement, satire, and sharp physical comedy serve as both shield and spotlight, revealing how spectacle and bias can distort justice.

If You Go

The production runs approximately 90 minutes with no intermission. Recommended for ages 13 and up due to themes of murder and crime.

For tickets and additional information, visit http://www.curiotheatre.org/.

Performance Dates:

• Previews: April 1, 2, 3 at 8:00 PM
• Opening Night: April 4 at 8:00 PM
• Run: April 8–18

Curio Theatre Company is at 4740 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19143

Post expires at 10:10pm on Sunday April 19th, 2026