Theatre Review: An Extraordinary Ordinary Man

The Ruskin Group Theatre Co. presents An Extraordinary Ordinary Man. Written and performed by John Colella. Directed by Michael Matthews. Produced by Michael R. Myers and John Ruskin.

When trying to build a new life in another country, immigrants usually are faced with a critical decision: Do they follow their dreams, or do they work in whatever job is available to support their families?

“Be anything but a baker”. That was John Colella‘s (Blue) father advice. He wanted his son to follow his dreams instead of spending his entire life in the family business. As John took his father’s advice by heart, he embarked on a journey of discovery, finding the stage his true calling. With humor, memories of relatives, and the positive influence of his father, Colella achieves an emotional and timeless play not to be missed.

With childhood anecdotes of growing up in an Italian family, Colella infuses his solo play with the unconditional love his father showed to everyone around him. The vivid memories of his father’s sacrifices to sustain his family and the encouragement to do better in life became Colella’s inspiration to pursue his dreams.

In his poignant play, Colella links his childhood experiences, the Italian food surrounding him, and his father figure to create an inspiring and emotive story of the dynamics of a family pursuing the American Dream. It’s a story of building a strong family, with ups and downs, but a family with an everlasting bond.

The play conveys that constant fear of loosing what has been constructed with so much effort. An anxiety that becomes almost disturbing as we age. As Colella sees his relatives going through physical ailments, he starts to experience his own health conditions. It’s a strange feeling, almost like a ticking. It’s perhaps the prelude to our own mortality.

An Extraordinary Ordinary Man is a story that connects with the audience organically. The magic of Colella’s writing is that is relatable. It’s personal. It’s powerful. Colella takes us to that deeply private space that is sacred; a place full of endearing memories. It’s a rite of passage, an unavoidable experience that, in a group, feels cathartic. As the cycle comes to an end, the phrase “grief is nothing else but love with no place to go” becomes an eloquent explanation of the myriad of feelings that rush in after the passing of a loved one. An outstanding play. A gifted thespian.

An Extraordinary Ordinary Man