In 2023, Farren Timoteo took Calgary audiences by storm with a sold-out run of his one-man comedy, Made in Italy. Two years later, Calgarians get another chance to spend an evening of family, laughs, fashion, and (lots of) food as Theatre Calgary welcomes Farren back to the
Martha Cohen Theatre for a second helping of his hit show.
A semi-autobiographical tale, Made in Italy is a funny and heartfelt look into the generational differences of an immigrant family. Timoteo brings two-dozen characters to life including Francesco, a young Italian immigrant and his father, Salvatore, who recall their experiences moving to Alberta. Holding dear the traditions of Italy, Salvatore hopes to pass them on to his son, while Francesco finds new role models in Italian cultural icons such as Rocky Balboa and John Travolta.
In Made in Italy, as Salvatore declares, "every meal must tell a story." So, naturally, the play takes place around a dinner. Over the course of a couple of hours (and a seven-course meal), Timoteo brings the audience along for a ride from Jasper in 1975, to a family dining room in the 1980s, and even back to Italy in 1976, as a father and son, despite their differences, find
themselves and each other.
Made in Italy is a deeply personal story and work for Timoteo, who has based many of the characters on his real-life family, and memories from his childhood. "There was a room in my grandparent's house that was strictly off-limits: the dining room," Timoteo recalls. "Of course, we had a lesser dinner table in the kitchen where we gathered for most of our ordinary meals, but the dining room was different. This was where we welcomed mass gatherings of family and
community for extraordinary dinners and celebrations. It was a sacred space."
While the show was seen in Calgary two years ago, a majority of the performances sold-out, with many who missed out asking for the show to return. "We made the easy decision to bring back Made in Italy because the demand was there," describes Theatre Calgary Artistic Director Stafford Arima. "It is rare that a production elicits such warmth, laughter, and connection- but Made in Italy did just that. We are looking forward to welcoming back those who's experienced the magic last time. Those that will be seeing it for the first time are in for a truly unforgettable
ride."
Made in Italy kicks off Theatre Calgary's 2025-26 season and runs August 26 - September 21 in the Werklund Centre Martha Cohen Theatre. As part of Theatre Calgary's 'Theatre For All' initiative, seats start at $49 for all regular performances. They are selling quickly, and can be
purchased online at theatrecalgary.com.
Header image: Farren Timoteo in Made in Italy, photo by Trudie Lee