THE LAST ROMANCE Romantic Comedy Set for Theatre Artists Studio

Are you ever too old to find love? Life is suddenly a thrill ride when golden-ager Ralph Bellini takes a detour from his everyday routine and stumbles headlong into romance.

Acclaimed playwright Joe DiPietro continues his winning ways with the heart-warming comedy, The Last Romance, a warm and tender tale of love between two seniors. It joins DiPietro's previous successes that include I Love You You're Perfect Now Change, (the second longest running off-Broadway musical), Memphis (2010 Tony-Award winner for Best Musical) and Over the River and Through the Woods, which enjoyed a boffo run at The Studio last season under the direction of Pamela Fields, who returns to the helm for The Last Romance.

Ralph Bellini (Michael Fleck) is a lonely widower who has lived with his sister Rose (Dolores D'Amore Goldsmith ) since his wife died 12 years earlier. One day he breaks from his daily routine and detours to an unfamiliar part of the neighborhood park. The simple act of taking a new path propels him headlong into romance when he meets the elegant Carol Reynolds (Judy Lebeau). As he attempts to woo the attractive and reluctant Carol with the persistence of a smitten teenager, he finds that love's last round comes with its own set of obstacles.

But the comedy and romance don't stop there. DiPietro adds to the main story the magical element of romance on a grander scale - Opera! The Young Man (Jason Lee McDonald) enters the scene as a younger representation of Ralph, who had dreams of an opera career before fate took a minor, but life-changing, turn. Through musical interludes, he takes us into Ralph's beloved world, singing excerpts from some of opera's most familiar and romantic works.

In the end, with gentle humor and easy charm, the hesitant couple must negotiate a jealous sibling, secrets from their past, and their own fear of taking the plunge yet again if they hope to embark on one more chance at love!

Theatre Artists Studio present Joe DiPietro's romantic comedy, The Last Romance from February 28 through March 16 at The Studio, 4848 E. Cactus Rd, #406, Scottsdale, AZ 85254. Show times are Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm.

Tickets are $20 for General Admission; $10 for Students 25 & Under and $15 for Groups of 10 or More, Seniors 65 & Over & Members of the Military (active or retired). For tickets, call the box office at 602-765-0120 or visit www.thestudiophx.org.

About Theatre Artist's Studio: The Studio is a member organization of actors, playwrights, directors, producers and designers founded to provide a place for theatre artists to work at their craft in an atmosphere which fosters mutual growth and collaboration through Studio affiliation. The Studio provides interaction between its members and the community by providing an opportunity to produce innovative projects, mentor emerging talent and establish an educational resource to celebrate the power and imagination of theatre.

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