The King: welcome Testori, farewell Montalbano
The King
When there is a difficult inmate they send him to the San Michele prison. Because there is the King, the director Bruno Testori, one who sleeps little, gets angry easily, threatens, hits hard and shoots coke. All rights are suspended, except for him to decide for anyone and at any time. What happens inside his prison remains inside the prison because he is the sovereign, with his underworld and criminal methods. This is the title of the new Sky TV series, a prison-drama directed by Giuseppe Gagliardi (you will remember his trilogy 1992 - 1993 - 1994) in eight episodes, starring Luca Zingaretti.At the antipodes of the Commissioner Montalbano, the actor falls this time into a dark role, full of shadows and anxieties, and in a story where there is still a mystery to be solved and a suspect to be found. Despot of a lawless prison with the syndrome of omnipotence, Testori loses in the first episode his best and perhaps only friend, played by Giorgio Colangeli, aka "the commander loved by all". He sounds like a human justification for what we'll see next: pain blinds. All the more so because little by little we discover a piece of Testori's private life: a daughter (who has been) seriously ill. The writer has only seen the first two episodes in preview, hoping that the next ones do not tend to pity the public to make Testori's work somehow forgivable, it is a theme that for the moment is introduced without rhetoric, as a fact that certainly weighs and marks those who live it, but without moral blackmail for the viewer.
This is another point in favor of the solid script by Stefano Bises, Peppe Fiore, Bernardo Pellegrini, Davide Serino. The only drawback: only men in writing, plus Gagliardi directing and a male protagonist. A little excessive. It is no coincidence that the only characters who create problems for Testori are women, seen and presented in the first episodes as very tough, fearless and with a strong character. In addition to his ex-wife played by the always partly Barbora Bobulova, there is Isabella Ragonese in the unprecedented role of the angry policewoman and beating who does not always agree with the boss, and above all what we could define as "the Queen" and then speculate him at female Testori able to stand up to him: the prosecutor Laura Lombardo, masterfully interpreted by a very blonde Anna Bonaiuto.
Laura Lombardo arrives to investigate what happens in the prison, with her sarcasm and her countless cigarettes, without giving anyone discounts. His obsession is justice, and it is precisely on that field that the first confrontation with Testori takes place, convinced that "there is no justice, there are people and circumstances: I to his state justice that reduces man to evil that he did without knowing what is behind it or because I no longer believe in it ». It is one of the most effective lines of a series that knows how to thrill, thanks to a convincing script, a fast-paced direction, thoroughbred interpreters and epically dark music (they are signed by Corrado Carosio and Pierangelo Fornaro).
Side note, we would have to reflect on why prison drama is finally a popular genre in Italy: first with the excellent film Ariaferma by Leonardo Di Costanzo (even that could become an excellent series, the idea is there and it's strong), now with The King. There would be some reasoning about the country's pandemic, and perhaps prepandemic, claustrophobia. But this - Wilder would say - is another story.
I AM KING: THE MICHAEL JACKSON EXPERIENCE Announced At Patchogue Theatre
Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts presents I Am King: The Michael Jackson Experience on Saturday, April 9 at 8pm. Lobby and bar concessions open at 7pm. Tickets range between $39.00 - $69.00 plus fees and are available online anytime at PatchogueTheatre.org or during business hours at the Box Office, (631) 207-1313, 71 East Main Street in Patchogue. Advanced ticket purchase is strongly recommended.
PTPA COVID-19 Restrictions have been lifted. As of March 1st, 2022, following New York State Department of Health's updated COVID-19 health and safety guidance, patrons of Patchogue Theatre are no longer required to present proof of full vaccination status or proof of a negative COVID-19 test to enter our venue. Although not required, we recommend wearing a mask, regardless of vaccination status, in an effort to help prevent further spread of Covid-19. Should you or a member of your party feel ill or have COVID-19 symptoms please stay home.
I AM KING - The Michael Jackson Experience is as close as you will get to seeing the King of Pop live in concert! Featuring Michael Jackson tribute artist, Michael Firestone who can sing LIVE while mastering the intense dancing that Jackson was so famous for, I AM KING takes the audience on a musical and visual journey into the world of the KING OF POP.
The creators of I AM KING have put together an incredible cast of talented musicians and Broadway and Las Vegas dancers to bring Jackson to life in an explosion of unmatched energetic perfection. I AM KING features amazing renditions of Jackson's biggest hits including 'Bad', 'Billie Jean', 'Thriller', 'Man in the Mirror', 'Human Nature' and many more.
Having performed to millions of Michael Jackson fans worldwide, Michael Firestone has been hailed by fans and critics alike as the heir apparent to Michael Jackson in look, performance and authenticity. When it comes to Michael Jackson tribute artists, there are none quite like Michael Firestone. His ability to sing live while mastering the intense dancing that Michael Jackson was so famous for has made him the most sought after MJ tribute artist in the world.
Michael Firestone was chosen as one of two official Michael Jackson impersonators for the Michael Jackson Laser Spectacular shows in theaters and casinos all over the USA and Canada including the Tacoma Dome. Most recently, Michael Firestone co-created and starred in MJ Live and numerous other Michael Jackson tribute shows that are still using his image/video to sell tickets. Prior to Michael Jackson's untimely death, Firestone had performed as a Michael Jackson tribute artist in live shows such as 'MTV Magic' and 'Around the World' in Asia, 'Legends in Concert' in Myrtle Beach, 'LaCage' and 'Masquerade' in Atlantic City. Firestone also did guest appearances on 'Larry the Cable Guy's Christmas Spectacular' and the Asian variety show 'The Bon Show.
20% of proceeds benefit the Andrew McMorris Foundation. In September 2018, Andrew and his Boy Scout Troop were tragically hit by a drunk driver while hiking. He succumbed to his injuries shortly after and passed away. The lives of his family, friends and community were forever changed by his senseless passing.
