MY BIG GAY ITALIAN MID LIFE CRISIS Marks First Trilogy to Launch Off-Broadway Tonight

When Anthony J. Wilkinson first set out in 2003 to open MY BIG GAY ITALIAN WEDDING at the Actors Playhouse down in the west village, never did he imagine it would have been the conception of a three part series that would mimic his life experiences over two decades. With MY BIG GAY ITALIAN MID LIFE CRISIS set to begin previews tonight, November 12th, 2015, it will mark the first time in Broadway history that an Off-Broadway hit turned into a three-part trilogy. Wilkinson's goal as a comedic author is to depict the three stages before midlife; the fantasy, the reality and the discovery of the difference.

MY BIG GAY ITALIAN WEDDING the most popular of the BIG GAY ITALIAN franchise, opened during a time when gay marriage wasn't legal in any state and closed two months after it became legal in the US. The wedding now having been licensed in numerous locations worldwide, continues to pop up in major markets and remains the most popular of the brand. MY BIG GAY ITALIAN FUNERAL which opened in 2012 as the sequel to the wedding, held a very successful three year run at St. Luke's Theatre while running in repertory with the wedding under the same contract. Many of the production companies that have licensed the wedding have also launched the sequel with hopes of having the same success in their respective cities.

Produced by Bianco Productions and directed by James Valletti, MY BIG GAY ITALIAN MID LIFE CRISIS is set to begin its run at the Theater Center on 50th and Broadway in the same space as "Perfect Crime." Although the show stands alone as its own story, it brings back familiar characters from the Wedding and the Funeral.

Anthony J. Wilkinson continues to star as the spin-off character of himself, Anthony Pinnunziato. Debra Toscano, Meagan Robar and Liz Gerecitano all return in the roles of Aunt Toniann, Connie and Lucia. The infamous "Andrew Polinski," Anthony's husband from MY BIG GAY ITALIAN WEDDING is also back and played for the first time by Chris Davis while new characters "Larry Fanazzi" and "Nathaniel Hollingsworth" will be played by former cast members Chad Kessler and Brandon Haagenson.

Emily DeSimone will be the Costume Designer for the new show which will continue under the General Management of 22Q Entertainment. Rachael Anne Evans will take on the role of Associate Director with set and prop design by Natalie Pecora and Lighting Design by Jamie Roderick.

The Theatre Center is located at 1627 Broadway at 50th Street, New York NY 10019. For ticket information, call (212) 921-7862 or visit www.biggayitalianmidlifecrisis.com.

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