A clever, invigorating, and fully watchable one-man show that gives new contemporary context to a 1940’s Italian-American politician who should be more than just a historical footnote! Taking on a “defending your life” scenario, The Purgatory Trial of Vito Marcantonio finds its title subject whisked into a trial to ask that he not spend his eternity in limbo. The 1940’s congressman was a progressive politician in his day, but upon his death in 1954, he was denied a Catholic burial despite his faith. This clever interpretation of that (which is thankfully largely secular) uses that fact as a way to explore his thoughts, actions, and even conflate them with today’s times.

Writer/star Roberto Ragone gives a gentle performance of the man, making him all the more appealing. As he runs through various historical events that Ragone went through, as well as the racial conflicts he frequently witnessed in his community in Harlem, and while the plays drops its sense of playfulness, the stark realities of the world are never lost. It’s a testament to a figure that’s basis in socialism could perhaps be traced to today’s Bernie Sanders, and a political piece that rouses without being smarmy or maudlin.

Photo spread by Dan Lane Williams / dlwphotographynyc.com