VATICAN FALLS by FrANK J. AVELLA

World Premiere, Fall 2022 at The Tank, co-directed by Frank J. Avella & Carlotta Brentan

A co-production by The Tank & High Voltage Productions

Based on true accounts, spanning decades and set amidst the backdrop of the ever-growing Catholic sex abuse scandal, VATICAN FALLS is an epic multi-genre piece that follows survivor journeys and explores the feelings of shame and confusion that ultimately turn to rage. This fast-paced, non-linear suspenseful thriller zooms from Boston to Rome to New York to Los Angeles as the protagonist falls in love with a Vatican operative and, along with his Fellowship, plans to take revenge on the people in charge that permitted the rape and torture of countless children and young adults.

Having been involved with the development of Vatican Falls in its many, ever-evolving incarnations since 2012, I was delighted to be co-directing & performing in its World Premiere at last, alongside playwright and long-time artistic collaborator Frank J. Avella, and an incredibly talented cast & crew.

Frank and myself co-directed again, after the critically-acclaimed Lured, whose 2018 World Premiere production at Theater for The New City in November 2018 enjoyed a sold-out run and then travelled to Italy to be featured in the inaugural edition of the OnStage! American Theater Festival in Rome in January 2019.

VATICAN FALLS in the press:

“A passionate, sometimes humorous, indictment of the Catholic Church and its long history of concealing the sexual abuse suffered by hundreds of young men at the hands of priests. Ultimately all the individual strands of a complicated story come together in a dramatic flourish. On the left side of the stage unfolds the romance in Rome of the American Ricardo (Ace Young, handsome, lithe and believable) and the Italian Claudia (Brentan, lovely, with a fine Italian accent). Although their relationship turns out not to be as casual and accidental as it first appears, Avella keeps these two lovers’ story constantly fascinating.”

- Theaterscene

"Ambitious, imaginative, and totally bizarre… Vatican Falls has a fascinating villain in the form of Father David, whom Edward L. Simon endows with a youthful innocence that helps us understand how the priest justified his own abhorrent behavior. As SCAR's fabulously sassy and frighteningly wrathful ringleader, Aust plays Vi as a high-heeled angel of death. Hilt is very funny as a Masshole Mrs. Malaprop. Young, a former American Idol contestant who has appeared on Broadway in Hair and Grease, gives an emotionally committed performance as a man deeply troubled by his past and uncertain about his future.” In their own highly fantastical way, these characters are standing up for themselves and taking action. It may not be very Christian, but it is undeniably dramatic.”

- Theatermania

"I was blown away by this production. The layers of the story take you on an emotional journey that I believe everyone and anyone can find elements they relate to. The addition of music also creates an opportunity for connection and adds to the universal connectivity. The entire cast gives phenomenal, emotional performances that are sure to impact any audience.”

- Teeco71 Entertainment

VATICAN FALLS by Frank J. Avella. Co-directed by Frank J. Avella & Carlotta Brentan.

With Ace Young* (Broadway’s “Hair,” “Grease,” “American Idol” season 5), Tucker Aust, Alice Barrett-Mitchell* (“Heels”), Carlotta Brentan, Jeremiah Clapp* , Jacopo Costantini, James Gracia, Danny Hilt* , Edward L. Simon* and Ryan Wright*.

*Member of Actors Equity Association

Set Design by Tony DiBernardo, Lighting Design by David Shocket, Sound Design by Zek Stewart, Costume Design by Shirlee Idzakovich, Casting by Judy Bowman, Social Media by John David West, SM Elena Jenson, ASMs Julia Cerqueira & Antonio Manto, Understudy Travis Leland.

The Tank, October 27-November 20 2022

Photos by Ashley Garrett.

For more press & interviews with the cast, and to keep up to date with Vatican Falls, visit the play’s website.