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SATURDAY IN THE PARK
The Humble Early Beginnings of Saturday In The Park
STARTED OUT FOR THE STAGE
The screenplay for Saturday in the Park is based on Larry Romano’s stage play bearing the same name. Saturday in the Park was first presented as a work in progress by Anna Strasberg at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute in New York City under the title “We Ain’t Kids No More.”
The play continued to progress when it was produced Off-Off-Off Broadway in New York City, as “Suitcase of Memories.” Larry had the play produced at The Burbage Theater in Los Angeles as Saturday in the Park. The play impressed critics as a snapshot of rough urban life in The Bronx, New York circa 1986.
From The Stage To The Screen
Romano, with the help of a tough group of Filmmakers was able to pull off a low budget period peice shot entirely in The Bronx, NYC.
Facing many challenges, including an a shoot out on the 164st and Reverend James Polite Boulevard, the Cast and Crew remained unfazed.
Romano collaborated with long time, well experienced friends in the Movie Business, as well as Filmmakers and Musicians across the United States to finalize an Edit of the movie that was test screened in Germany, Long Island NY, St. Louis Missouri and Los Angeles California.
Further Edits followed by a second screening for fellow Cast Members of The Thin Red Line, and respected Veteran Producers, and a Special Showing at Paisan On in New Jersey confirmed that Saturday in the Park is a movie with a Cast that deserves to be seen in Theaters on a Big Screen.
Romano, a veteran Actor with credits ranging from Major Motion Pictures, ( Donnie Brasco, The Thin Red Line, Lock Up), NYPD Blue and The King of Queens does not Act in the movie instead he chose to Cast a terrific group of unknown Actors alongside Strong Supporting Roles from Veteran Thespians, Victor Williams, Madison Arnold, Robert Clohessy and Chuck Zito.
SYNOPSIS
WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT MIKEY?
The first “character” you will meet in Saturday In The Park is the Bronx. The toughest of New York’s five boroughs. The crime ridden streets of the Bronx circa 1986 is perhaps more of an antagonist than protagonist in this story, however, it is the catalyst for many of the characters personalities, thoughts, morals and actions.
The principal characters are Mikey and Danny, lifelong friends who have grown up in the hard streets in a neighborhood just outside of Yankee Stadium. Danny is a drummer and is planning a trip to California. Danny has even sold his drums to raise money for the trip. Mikey, who plays guitar and is fronting a new band wants his lifelong friend to stay in the Bronx so that he might join the band.
In their interaction you can see the mean streets ebb and flow. They often discuss their bedroom triumphs and even “finesse” a friend out of his money and his watch. But the core of the conversation is about the future. Danny ponders if he can ever “make it” in New York City, and that is why he wants to try California. Mikey is staying, he is a “New York Guy.” We learn how close these two have become and how difficult the decisions they are making are.
THE CAST OF SATURDAY IN THE PARK
Larry Ro on Television
Larry was a regular on “NYPD Blue” and “L.A. Law” and starred in other T.V. hits like “Civil Wars””Mad About You” and “CSI:NY.” He starred in 32 episodes of the sitcom “The King of Queens”, on which he played “Richie Iannucci”. He had a lead role in the NBC sitcom Kristin as “Aldo Bonnadonna” with Kristin Chenoweth. You may have also seen Mr. Romano in several television commercials for companies like “Jack In The Box” or “Walgreens” Larry Romano’s talent offered a wide range of characters on television. Many people fell in love with his quirky wit as the irreverant Richie Iannucci on “The King of Queens.” Richie was written as one of Doug Hefferman (Kevin James) closest friends. According to the backstory, he and Doug were roomates before Doug married his wife Carrie as seen in the series episode “Meet By-Product”. During the three seasons and 32 episodes that Larry played Richie, he almost always addressed Doug as “Moose”. The character Richie was known as a ladies man among Dougs other friends. Richie was a FDNY firefighter.
Larry Ro In The Movies
Larry Romano’s early film acting credits include “Donnie Brasco,” “The Thin Red Line”, “Out For Justice”, “City Hall”, “Bullet” and “Lock Up”. He has appeared on screen with many acclaimed actors, including: Al Pacino, Johnny Depp, Sean Penn, Mickey Rourke, Madonna and Sylvester Stallone. Larry’s long acting career allowed him the opportunity to work with well-known director Mike Newell (“Donnie Brasco” and “Harry Potter” fame) as well as many other award-winning directors, including: Terrence Malick (“The Thin Red Line”) and David Fincher (the Grammy-nominated Madonna video “Oh Father”. Larry Romano pursued his passion for the performing arts by studying at Weist-Barron, HB Studios, and the famous Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute, all located in NYC. These highly-respected schools were responsible for launching the careers of many successful actors, including Larry, who now works in film, television and theatre. While pursuing his studies at Strasberg, Larry wrote his first play entitled “We ain’t kids no more” which was presented under the artistic direction of Ana Strasberg. The play was a success and ultimately produced at the William Redfield Theatre in NYC and in Los Angeles at The Burbage Theatre. Larry has created a full length motion picture based on the play called “Saturday In The Park” and it is currently in post production.
Shocker – Larry’s a Rocker!
Larry Romano, as a talented dramatic and comedic actor, has been involved in several major motion pictures, that have become classic films, and T.V. shows, some that are classic hits. Yet one of Larry’s passions is his music. “I like to write lyrics and melodies. I write about what I feel at the moment I feel it. I have music in my head ever since I was a little kid. And I like all kinds of music.” Larry is quoted as saying in a German interview. Larry’s passion is his refuge, a release of emotion and inner thoughts. No one can deny how music touches our lives, moves us, and molds our emotions. For Larry it is a release, that in his hectic daily life is greatly needed.
Musically, his Band Deficit was labeled, “The Heavy Metal Kings of the New Millium!” by The Hollywood Reporter.
And then they broke up!
But not before they cut 2 Albums with Mick Tara’s on Guitar, Angelo Barbera on Bass and Ty Dennis on Drums.
After Mick took off for a gig with Martha Davis and The Motels, Bobby Carstein, ( RIP) joined the band for a 3rd album of Originals.
