Loretta Toscano plays family matriarch Momma in It’s My Brooklyn, Too! The play opens at the first family New Year’;s eve party after poppa has died, putting momma in charge of the Smaldone family. Can she hold it together in the changing times of the early 1960s?
Read here about Toscana’s acting career, then click here to buy tickets for one of our performances, Dec. 6-8 or Dec. 13-15.
How and why did you get into acting?
I got into acting indirectly because of a strong nudge from my mom. Shy in high school, she convinced me to audition for a summer music theater program in the neighborhood. She got me out of the car and into that auditorium.
Those were unforgettable experiences that left me wanting to pursue a career in the Arts. Guess, Mamma’s always right.
2. If you could play any character in any play or movie , who would you pick and why?
At this point in my life, I would choose Anna Magnani as my favorite actress. She was passionate, intoxicating and most notably, a woman who unapologetically embraced all her attributes and foibles.
3. What was your most recent acting role before this play and what did you learn about yourself doing it?
My most recent theater role was Nonna in Pizza from Nowhere by Cara Ronzetti.
After being away from the theatre for many years, I learned that performing remains one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. In addition, I had the opportunity to continue exploring my Italian heritage with a great group of people. Grazie Mille!