Joe Murena Makes Off-Broadway Debut in MY BIG GAY ITALIAN FUNERAL Today

Joe is most commonly known as a finalist from American Idol (Season 4 with Carrie Underwood). He is also known for his performances on Star Search, Good Morning America and Showtime at the Apollo. Joe's theatrical credits include Long Island community Theater Productions of West Side Story (Arab) and Breaking Up Is Hard To Do (Del Delmonico). He has lent his voice to some chart topping singles like "Always Have Tomorrow" (Serge Devant) and "You are the Only One" (MYNT Project .) His passion is writing music and his songs are available on iTunes (e.g. Reconcile, Transparent, Truth Is...)

"My Big Gay Italian Funeral" is yet another comedy from Anthony J. Wilkinson and uses some of the same characters from "My Big Gay Italian Wedding." 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! Funeral opened June 16th, 2013 at St. Luke's and is currently on sale till the end of March.

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 Anthony J. Wilkinson who originated the role of Anthony Pinnunziato back in November of 2003. Both shows are General Managed by 22Q Entertainment.

The cast of My Big Gay Italian Funeral includes Anthony J. 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).

My Big Gay Italian Funeral plays every Sunday at 7pm. St. Luke's Theatre is located at 308 West 46th Street (between 8th and 9th Avenues). For tickets, call (212) 239-6200 or visit Telecharge.com.