Review: In 13 THINGS ABOUT ED CARPOLOTTI, Penny Fuller Musically Shares Memories from a Well-Loved Life

The Broad Stage presents the West Coast Premiere of 13 Things About Ed Carpolotti, a comic musical based on the play Three Viewings by Jeffrey Hatcher, with book, music and lyrics by Barry Kleinbort, will play a limited engagement through January 29 in The Edye at The Broad Stage in Santa Monica. The production stars Tony nominee and Emmy winning actress Penny Fuller, and is directed by Mr. Kleinbort with musical direction by Paul Greenwood.

After Penny Fuller approached Barry Kleinbort to create a musical version of Hatcher's play for her to perform as a cabaret artist, 13 Things About Ed Carpolotti was originally developed at The Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center Cabaret and Performance Conference in Summer 2012 and had its New York premiere in December 2012. The two have a natural affinity for knowing what works well for both of them, and the musical spark between Fuller and her accompanist Paul Greenwood lights up the stage.

Ms. Fuller commands the stage for 90 minutes as Virginia Carpolotti, a devoted widow with loving memories of her recently-departed husband, Ed. As she shares her most cherished life events through a beautiful variety of Kleinbort's songs with Paul Greenwood on piano, Fuller opens up her heart and soul as Virginia, and her ability to put the entire range of human emotions on display with every ounce of her being is truly amazing.

Virginia's love story of two people made for each other unfolds in the most luscious ways, even during the worst of times. But while her love endures, Virginia's confidence in Ed flounders as she takes over his company after his death, dealing with one shady character after another who come calling for repayment of debt that Ed, unbeknownst to her, put in her name. Soon the phone messages start flooding in: first from Dino, then from Vinny, and even Ed's brother Frank. Each one seems to be owed a lot of money which Virginia cannot possibly pay back.

Things really heat up when a mysterious blackmail letter appears threatening to release a list of 13 scandalous things about Ed Carpolotti. Does such a list even exist? Trust me, when Virginia finds it and reads the contents, your heart will melt given the emotional reactions Ms. Fuller shares while reading and singing the list to a most appreciative audience.

Along with her Broadway career, Penny Fuller's television work garnered her six Emmy nominations and the Emmy Award for ABC's The Elephant Man. Her body of Los Angeles theatre work at an important time in this city's theatrical growth, having been a founding member of the Matrix Theatre Company, Antaeus, and in the original Mark Taper Repertory Company, and she also won a LA Drama Critics Circle Award for her work in Harold Pinter's Betrayal. She appeared at the Ahmanson in Ring Around the Moon and in her signature role in The Elephant Man.

Do not miss your chance to experience Ms. Fuller's magnetic stage presence in her one-woman cabaret show 13 Things About Ed Carpolotti at The Edye at The Broad Stage, 1310 11th St. Santa Monica CA 90401, through January 29, 2017 on Tuesday-Friday at 8 pm; Saturday at 2 pm and 8 pm; Sunday at 2 pm. Tickets are $45 and may be ordered in advance by calling (310) 434-3200 or at the Broad Stage box office beginning three hours prior to performance. The show runs 70 minutes without an intermission. Onsite parking is free. More information at www.thebroadstage.com.

Photo credit: Carol Rosegg

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