With its production of “Breaking Legs,” the Brookhaven LittleTheatre transports its audience into an authentic Italianrestaurant located in New England, where the main course of comedyis served with a side order of Mafioso.

The play will be presented at 7:30 p.m. today, Friday andSaturday at the historic Haven Theater in downtown Brookhaven.

The play, written by Tom Dulack, offers an interesting storyrevolving around a professor seeking financial backing for hisnewly-written play.

Actor Steve See portrays his character with the thoughtfulintellect one might expect from a college instructor. See alsomixes in the stereotypical awkwardness and social inexperienceoften attached to someone whose life pursuit has beeneducation.

As the play begins, the audience is brought into a familiarfamily dynamic of father and daughter discussing various topics ofthe day, including his pressuring her to marry. The father – LouGraziano – played by Michal Christopher, and his daughter Angie,played by his real-life daughter Sarah Christopher, offer a uniquechemistry as they avoid topics neither wants to discuss. Thisfather-daughter team operates the Italian restaurant that providesthe setting for the entire play.

Sarah Christopher holds her own against a cast of men. Her stagepresence is lighthearted and easygoing. Her character is well likedby all of the other characters, whom she endearingly refers to as”uncles.” It is obvious she is the pampered pet of the other menwhile standing her ground on issues and expressing her convictionas a grown, mature woman with a strong ability to get exactly whatshe wants.

Once the professor-turned-playwright enters the restaurant, anold flirtation begins between him and Angie that started yearsbefore when she attended college as one of his students. AsProfessor O’Keefe explains his dream to see his play produced inNew York, Lou assures him and he has “friends” that would be veryinterested in financing its production.

Lou is referring to Mike Francisco and Tino De Felice, played byJoe Fernald and Ray Davis. As Fernald and Davis enter therestaurant, they bring a burst of energy with them to thestage.

Fernald is dynamic and offers all the charisma, characteristicsand mannerisms of a typical mafia businessman. His ego is prevalentthroughout the play and fills the stage with an entertaining senseof grandeur. Fernald’s facial gestures, slurred speech thick with aNew York Italian accent, flippant hand gestures and even obnoxiouslaugh are convincing and fun to watch.

Davis builds his character with conviction and handsomeelegance. His quiet, yet powerful demeanor is a stark contrast tohis “partner in crime” played by Fernald. Davis’ past experience onthe little theater stage lays the foundation for his apparentcomfort level as a performer. With short, but important lines,Davis’ character presents the impression that he is well-respectedamong his peers.

Another cast member adding interest to the mix is Matt Coleman,who plays Frankie Salvucci.

Frankie enters the scene as the recipient of loan money fromthese gentlemen and has to confront them with his inability to payit back. As he begs for more time and presents his case, Colemaneffectively uses nervousness and instability along with his lines.His flustered and insecure body language offers an interestingcontrast to the cool, comfortable personalities of the othercharacters. Coleman successfully demonstrates a sense of panic andconflict as a man in debt struggling to hang on.

“Breaking Legs” is directed by Carroll Ritchie and produced byGreg Russell. Both are seasoned veterans of BLT.

Stage manager Mary See has exhibited a meticulous attention todetail throughout the production. Her daughter Kathleen Seeprovides able assistance with props and other stage duties.

With a play set in a restaurant, food is an important part ofthe menu for success. Italian dishes prepared by Libby Dennis add afantastic and authentic touch to the surroundings.

The presentation of “Breaking Legs” is certainly different fromany play offered by the theater in the past. Mainly due to theItalian dialect used by performers, this particular productiontruly offers an escape for the audience.

Play-goers will not be disappointed as they sink their teethinto a tasteful and satisfying play experience.