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by: Brian Scott Lipton & Magda Katz

 

There will be plenty of food onstage, as well as food for thought, during “Dinner With the Boys,” the new comedy written by and starring Broadway and television veteran Dan Lauria (“The Wonder Years,” “Lombardi”), which beings previews on April 21 at Theater Row’s Acorn Theatre, with an official opening on May 4.

The show, which takes place in the wilds of New Jersey, tells of two longtime mobsters who have gotten themselves into a sticky predicament with the “family.” Lauria originally wrote the show for his friends Charles Durning and Dom DeLuise (along with Jack Klugman and Peter Falk) and is thrilled that it is finally getting seen by New York audiences (after a prior run at New Jersey Rep).

While Lauria promises plenty of laughs, he stresses his inspiration for the play was his concern with the increased fascination with violence among the younger generation and the media.

At a recent press event, Theater Pizzazz spoke with Lauria, co-stars Ray Abruzzo and Richard Zavaglia, and director Frank Megna, along with hearing words from lead producer Pat Addiss. Here’s what they had to say.

Interviews: Brian Lipton

Photos/Video: Magda Katz