Ciao Bambino is a slice-of-life display of the 1940s Italian-American immigrant experience in New York City. Written by Dr. Elizabeth Allen Turner (whose own great-grandparents arrived at Ellis Island from Gambettola, Italy), this family-friendly musical tells the story of Elizabetta, a young woman from Rimini who moves to NYC in 1945. Elizabetta must overcome heartbreak, cultural barriers, and the balancing act that is trying to fit in to American society while staying true to her Italian roots. In her pursuits, she discovers joy, self-love, and empowerment where she least expects it.
Ciao Bambino is a female empowerment piece, filled with love, laughter, and determination for the whole family. The show features 5 female roles, 6 male roles, and recommends an ensemble of six, with at least six additional children's roles. It is suitable for high school, college, and community theatres. The show may be performed with tracks, or live with a standard 5-piece band. Additional orchestration and instrumentation are available if requested. The show features 2-3 sets, and can be produced on a modest budget.
Run time is 2 hours and 10 mins
In the past, Ciao Bambino has received grants from the 92Y, Mark Morris Dance Studio, and Facebook.
2012 – Ciao Bambino EP released
2016 – Awarded Best Staged reading at Midtown International Theatre Festival (New York, NY)
2018 – Workshop at the 13th Street Repertory Theatre (New York, NY)
2019 – Concert performances at Opera America (New York, NY)
2020 – First Demos recorded
2021 – Paperback and e-books released in English and Italian
2022 – Equity staged reading at the Winter Park Playhouse for the Florida Festival of New Musicals (Winter Park, FL)
2023 – Full Production Produced by Gulf Coast Stage College (Panama City, FL)
2024 –Full Production at Manuel Artime Theatre (Miami, FL)
2026- New Guide track vocals recorded