A Queen for a Day Opens in NYC
Michael Ricigliano Jr.’s play “A Queen for a Day” explores themes of family loyalty, responsibility and survival with New York Mafia Capo Giovanni Nino Cinquemani (David Proval). The small, portly and balding Brooklyn-ite is offered an intriguing one-day immunity deal by his federal prosecutors. He struggles to protect his younger brother, the head of the Mafia family, his own secrets and the family’s freedom.
Intrigue arises in an abandoned warehouse where Giovanni debates whether or not to agree to the proffer agreement colloquially called ‘Queen for a Day’. In this deal, there is an informal agreement between prosecutors and a target or individual under criminal investigation for temporary immunity. Giovanni has the option to save himself, but it comes at the cost of selling out his family.
“A Queen for a Day” is a reunion of former “The Sopranos” colleagues, as Proval and David Deblinger return to a mob scenario. Deblinger has previously worked on “Picket Fences” and the films Mean Streets and The Shawshank Redemption. They are joined by Portia Proval of The Sunshine Deli and Grocery.
Writer and practicing lawyer Michael Ricigliano Jr. works on film, stage and television projects through Jackson Leonard Production, LLC with producing partner Jeff Schneider. Ricigliano won the “Best Short Film” and “Best Director – Short” awards for Lily of the Feast at the 2011 Long Island International Film Expo, Golden Door Film Festival and Williamsburg Independent Film Festival. He has also worked with projects such as Brooklyn Law, The Devil’s Banker, Created Equal and The Scorpion Tale.
Director John Gould Rubin is the Artistic Director of the Private Theater and has directed many works, including Hedda Gabler, Playing with Fire and Peer Gynt. He wrote and performed in The Predators’ Ball in Florence and BAM, a multi-media show by Karole Armitage.
-Amanda Sztein
Information
A Queen for a Day
Previews begin April 14
Runs from May 3-July 26, 2015
St. Clement’s Theater on 423 West 46th Street
For more information, please go to AQueenForADayPlay.com