James LaRosa to Star in Off-Broadway's MY BIG GAY ITALIAN FUNERAL, 6/8

James LaRosa returns to the Off Broadway stage when he steps into the leading role of Anthony Pinnunziato in Off-Broadway's My Big Gay Italian Funeral at the St. Luke's Theatre on June 8th at 7pm. He will take on the role, created and thus far performed by Emmy Award-winner, Anthony J. Wilkinson.

LaRosa, who will also appear in this summers highly anticipated NYMF musical, Mr. Confidential, has been seen in such roles as Mark Cohen in Rent, Henry in Next to Normal, and Abraham in Altar Boyz. He is also known for his appearance on Star Search as well as for voicing a character on the Rockstar video game, Grand Theft Auto V. My Big Gay Italian Funeral, a comedy from Anthony J. Wilkinson that uses characters from Off-Broadway's My Big Gay Italian Wedding, opened June 16, 2013, at St. Luke's and is currently on sale through September 2014 after being extended twice.

According to press notes, "The father (Joe Pinnunziato) is deceased and we introduce some new characters, namely Anthony's gay brother Peter Pinnunziato, who he hasn't spoken to in over a decade. Family drama and crazy characters unite when everything that can possibly happen at an Italian wake certainly will!"

Presented by Bianco Productions, both productions are directed by Emmy Award-winning director, Sonia Blangiardo ("All My Children," "One Life To Live," "As the World Turns") and star its creator, Wilkinson, who originated the role of Anthony Pinnunziato in November 2003.

The regular cast of My Big Gay Italian Funeral includes Wilkinson as Anthony, Hugh Hysell as Maurizio, Donna Castellano as Angela, Marissa Perry as Maria, Debra Toscano as Toniann, Meagan Robar as Connie/Eva/Aunt Donna, Erik Ransom as Vidal, Chad Kessler as Rabbi Horowitz/Lou, David Demato as Peter, Mustafa Gatollari as Dominick, Beth Dzuricky as Ondine and Marie Fontaine (ensemble).

Performances are offered Sundays at 7 PM. St. Luke's Theatre is located at 308 West 46th Street (between 8th and 9th Avenues).