​​​​​ANTHONY E. GALLO
agallo2368@verizon.net     202 544 6973

PERFORMANCE HISTORY


Cosmowriters                            November 25, 2019

Seventh Street Playhouse      April 19, 2020

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                         ANTHONY E. GALLO     

                             202 544 6973   agallo2368@verizon.net

         ​ THE CABALA​

                                         A TWO ACT PARODY​

                                    Based on the Thornton Wilder Novel "The Cabala"

                                                                                             BY 

                    ANTHONY e. Gallo

​                  ​Music:  Otterino Resphigi                  




This two-act drama about two young Americans in Rome and an elite set of aristocrats, known both mockingly and respectfully as The Cabala, is totally based on Thornton Wilder’s 1921 novel when the author was 24 years old.  He is a hard act to follow. 

All members of the Cabala have wealth and a burning desire to turn back the clock, to reinstate kings in Europe’s republics.  Some believe in the Divine Right of Kings and want that doctrine to become Church dogma.    Gods of all sorts come and go.,   And the two Americans get some hearty advice by a mysterious man in blue on their way home. 
​Sam, a newly-arrived recent Yale graduate finds himself entertaining a gathering of wealthy and influential Europeans in post-World War 1 Rome. Surprisingly, a legendary  Cardinal encourages him to become a part of the group. At first, Sam feels privileged but then finds out that the "Cabala" is really a pagan cult comprised largely of insecure, aimless, and superficial people who have quickly come to depend on him.  
Sam tries to free himself but finds that he is hopelessly attached to the group. He must also save two other members who are prone to violence.  And all are under the influence of a powerful Cardinal who is both saint and sinner.
In the struggle between good and evil, Sam finds that he is equally attracted to both.  Finally, the truth comes to the rescue when he escapes to Grover's Corners.

CAST: Six Women, Five Men  

  1. Sam, 23,   American  Yale graduate living in Rome
  2. Carlo, Cardinal Viani, 89(but youthful)
  3. Lucia, 40,  wealthy and devout Roman Catholic European aristocrat 
  4. Ottima, 60,  cook, housecleaner and some more
  5. Elizabeth (Miss Grier) , 50,    Wealthy  American spinster
  6. Giovanna, The Duchess d'Aquilanera,  (55) Mother of Marcantonio
  7. Marcantonio, 23,  Giovanna's sexually promiscuous son 
  8. Alix, unhappily married French princess in love with James 
  9.  Jane, Countess  Bernstein, 50,   wealthy French woman
  10. James Blair, 23,  Samuel's  Roommate
  11. Mr. Holland
  12. The Man in Blue