Leonardo Defilippis coming to Southeast Michigan

I had an opportunity to see the one-man show on St. Maximilian Kolbe by Leonardo Defilippis a few years back when he came to Assumption Grotto. He is truly talented. Now, he's coming to metro Detroit to perform, The Passion According to St. Luke

It's coming up fast.  Click here and look at the upcoming schedule for Michigan and other states.  Also visit the homepage for St. Luke Productions to see what else is playing and being booked.

---

For interesting news items I don't have time to blog on, check out my Twitter Feed: @TeDeumBlog

Te Deum Laudamus! Home

The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

Note: The recommended links below are automatically generated by the tool, so they are not necessarily related content.

Southeast Michigan: Leonardo Defilippis in Vianney

Click on the flyer to enlarge

Please see the video advertisement at VianneyDrama.com, along with loads of other info about this fine performance.  If you have never seen Leonardo and other dramas performed by members of St. Luke Productions, you will want to check it out. 

Leonardo is touring many other areas of the country with this drama, as well, so click the Vianney Drama calendar to see if he is coming to a place near you.  Others in Michigan in the Lansing diocese or close to it, may want to take advantage of other shows following his tour in the Archdiocese of Detroit.

Te Deum Laudamus! Home

The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

Leonardo Defilippis returns to Assumption Grotto: The Gospel According to John

Leonardo Defilippis is coming back to southeast Michigan and will be at Assumption Grotto on March 29, 2009 at 2:00pm in a one-man performance on the Gospel of John.

I was never much into stage plays, but Leonardo's one-man stage show on Maximillian Kolbe got me hooked. He will have you captivated.

Click here for ticket info and other times/locations in Michigan.

Previous posts on Leonardo and St. Luke Productions:

• Photo Post: Leonardo DeFilippis at Assumption Grotto in Maximillian - Saint of Auschwitz
• Catholic Actor-Producer, Leonardo Defilippis visits Assumption Grotto for rehearsal of the original Grotto production, Palla Eius.
• Other: Leonardo's website: St. Luke Productions......book him at your parish!

Te Deum Laudamus! Home

The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

More photos from Grotto's Musical, Palla Eius

This photo was taken on the evening that Catholic actor, Leonardo Defilippis visited for a preview. Leonardo posed with the cast and crew after rehearsal.

The following photos are in no certain order. All but the second photo were taken by Mike Powell during another rehearsal.

Boozing sailors sing "Hi-ho Buffalo" to ladies on the ship

The ladies to whom the sailors sing ask that heaven help them

"George" - the ladies man.

"Peter" lifts "Julia" during a duet.

The ever-cranky, "Mrs. Mattiachi" as she chases after "George" for taking the choir's pastries.

Te Deum Laudamus! Home

Palla Eius begins this Saturday at Grotto

Members of the "Palla Eius" cast practice a number just outside the stage before rehearsal

In the latest issue of the Lourde's Legacy online is the latest review of Palla Eius:

“ A Lourdes Grotto was dedicated yesterday with numerous Detroit families in Attendance.” - May 30, 1881

Palla Eius – “Her Mantle” in English – is an original musical play production now in
rehearsal for performance this October on the Assumption Grotto Stage. The celebration ofthat Detroit parish’s 175 anniversary prompted the enterprise, for which its pastor, Rev.Fr.Eduard Perrone, agreed to both compose the full musical score, and conduct the orchestra.

The fact the Palla Eius is “to honor Mary” drew ascent not only from the accomplished pianist and conductor pastor, but also from youth and adult parishioners with talent both experienced and novel. To accompany the cast of near thirty, thirteen orchestral musicians have been engaged, and the production’s top-notch choreographer was seen both in Hollywood and on Broadway stage.

If the director of Palla Eius did not have to o.k. this for print, his resume could also be penned, but he would rather have us applaud the music of Fr. Perrone. From act I set on board ship from Montreal to Detroit, through Act II in a Detroit boarding house, on to a Final act Grotto of exceptional consequence, there is quite a bit of evidence that Our Lady will indeed be honored, and a contented audience go forth humming tunes that will long remain in the heart. Though the Palla Eius story is only based on the building of Detroit’s miraculous Grotto, the rich personalities could very well have been, and two figures are indeed quite historic.

Come see what Detroit can look up to as breaking music-scene. Your might even feel the better musicals of Broadway looking over their shoulder at the wind on the Great Lakes…

PIANO PERFORMANCE - SATURDAY OCTOBER 13 TH 7:00
ORCHESTRAL PERFORMANCE - FRIDAY OCTOBER 19TH 7:00
ORCHESTRAL PERFORMANCE - SUNDAY OCTOBER 21ST 3:00
ADULT $5.00/ C-13 $3.00/ FAMILY (INC CHILDREN –18) $20.00
To purchase tickets call (313) 332-4432

Grotto organist, Stefanie Nofar, playing the piano during rehearsal.

Actors join stage hands in changing sets between acts.

Another "behiind the scenes" photo during intermission

Photos from Monday when Catholic actor Leonardo Defilippis visited rehearsal

Photos from a previous practice

Te Deum Laudamus! Home

Leonardo Defilippis gets a private viewing of Palla Eius

The cast and crew of Palla Eius had a special visitor last evening for a private viewing: Catholic actor Leonardo Defilippis, who is in town for several more days performing the Confessions of Augustine. (See the schedule for Leonardo's remaining schedule in Michigan - Emmet, Royal Oak, Kalamazoo, and Southgate)

Palla Eius is an original musical stage play concepted by our own Sr. Maria Paschalis written into a script by 17 year old parishioner Renee Kray, directed by Joe Maher and turned into a full blown musical with original music written by Fr. Eduard Perrone - pastor of Assumption Grotto, who will conduct the orchestra. Professional dancer and choreographer Sonja Krolik has been working with the cast.

Here are some photos from last evening....

Leonardo Defilippis is flanked by Director Joe Maher and Sr. Maria Paschalis. It was Leonardo's only night off and he was kind enough to spend it in support of this great effort on the part of so many parishioners, primarily young people. He provided some pointers along the way, as well.

Fr. Perrone and Leonardo exchange some thoughts during the first intermission.

Choreographer Sonja Krolik and Fr. Perrone discuss some details.

"Fr. Van" leading the locals in singing.

Grotto accountant and local Barber, Sam Pizzo, plays a hardened, irreligious man (I keep telling Sam that he plays a really good jerk!)

Nigel Betts playing "Fr. Van" and Ray Long as another priest I don't want to name at this time. There is a "conspiracy" taking place here, but you'll have to see the play to learn what it is.

Elizabeth Powell in her role as the hardened man's daughter, makes a special plea to the Blessed Mother

There are so many other pictures I want to share, taken by myself and by Mike Powell, but I don't want to give away too much of the set, which was put together through the hard work of parish carpenters and other volunteers. I was shocked the first time those curtains opened once the props were all made and I wouldn't want to spoil that feeling for all of you. Know that there are far more talented actors and actresses from our parish involved and I will share more in the next two weeks.

Please support the efforts of the many people at Assumption Grotto who have worked tirelessly several days weekly for months now to make this production possible. As Leonardo pointed out during his talk to the cast and crew: This level of production for a parish stage play is very rare indeed, and the fact that it is all original - from the storyline, to the script, the music, the choreography, makes it all the more special.

It is.......Grotto!

Performances begin this coming Saturday. See the details and schedule in this post.

On behalf of all involved with Palla Eius, I would like to extend a warm thanks to Leonardo for taking time out of his very busy schedule to come to Assumption Grotto last evening.

Please support St. Luke Productions, and Catholic drama, with your donations, purchases of multi-media, and bookings.

Visit the homepage of St. Luke Productions and consider booking one of their shows in your diocese or parish.

Te Deum Laudamus! Home

Leonardo Defilippis returns as St. Augustine - Schedule set in Detroit area

Grotto has been in overdrive with the production of the musical play, Palla Eius which involves our Pastor, many of the parish youth, and a number of parents. They have been working from 5:30pm until 9:00 most Mondays and Fridays, along with additional practices in between, and on Sundays, for the many soloists. Leonardo would be proud of their efforts and I know he inspired many of these people to get involved through his own advocacy of Catholic drama. It is a most beautiful way to share the faith.

I pray you will all support this work with your attendance and you will discover in it, a real treat. It is based on a story written about the construction of our Grotto and how people sought comfort in Mary's mantel. I've seen these kids develop so quickly under the guidance of Joe Maher (director) and Fr. Perrone (music conductor). There will be two performances with orchestra and one with piano. I'll follow with details.

Right now, I want to tell you about another performance to support. If you are unfamiliar with the Confessions of St. Augustine, go see this play. If you are familiar with the writings, go see this play. There is something in Augustine's work for everyone.

The calendar was so booked at Grotto, that bringing Leonardo Defilippis back for this spectacular performance escaped us. But, I would urge you to see the show at one of these other locations. This is a one-man show you don't want to miss.



THE CONFESSIONS OF SAINT AUGUSTINE, an original one-man dramatization
performed by Leonardo Defilippis, is coming this fall.

Tues. Oct. 2 An Evening with Leonardo at St. Michael's Media, Ferndale
Wed. Oct. 3 at 7 pm St. Thomas the Apostle Parish Hall, Ann Arbor
Thurs. Oct. 4 at 7 pm St. Jude Church, (7 Mile Road, East Side) Detroit
Fri. Oct. 5 at 7 pm Assumption Church, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Sat. Oct. 6 at 7 pm St. Anthony (Kenna Hall), Temperance
Sun. Oct. 7 at 7 pm St. Gerald Church, Farmington
Tue. Oct. 9 at 7 pm Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish Hall, Emmett
Wed. Oct. 10 7:30 pm National Shrine of the Little Flower Church, Royal Oak
Thurs. Oct. 11 7:30 pm Crowley Center, St. Augustine Cathedral, Kalamazoo
Fri. Oct. 12 7:30 pm Davidson Middle School Auditorium, Southgate
(sponsored by Downriver Vicariate)

AUGUSTINE is the modern story of a man steeped in a decadent existence,
whose passionate desires aren't satisfied by the things around him.
Leonardo has become well known throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe
for his dramatizations on the lives of the saints, and the gospels (see
http://www.stlukeproductions.com/). The program is suitable for ages 12 years and up. Tickets are $8 per person or $25 for a family.



Te Deum Laudamus! Home

Leonardo DeFilippis returns to southeast Michigan as St. Augustine!

Those of you who remember the stage performance of Leondardo DeFilippis in Maximillian Kolbe last year will probably want to know he is coming back. This time, he comes as St. Augustine. I did an extensive photo post on his visit to Grotto, and on St. Luke Productions.

Book Leonardo at your parish!

Leonardo Defilippis performed Maximilian: Saint of Auschwitz to enthusiastic crowds in Michigan in 2006. The actor, director of the movie Therese, and founder of St. Luke Productions (www.stlukeproductions.com) will return to Michigan this fall with his original one man drama of The Confessions of Saint Augustine. We are looking for a few more locations to fill in the schedule. If interested, please call Suzanne Fisher at 248-217-0844 or Debbie Bloomfield at 734-283-9753.


Sat. Sept. 29 Drama Workshop for teens and young adults, Ann Arbor
Sat. Sept. 29 (evening) Joy Road Spiritus Sanctus Academy , Ann Arbor
Sun. Sept. 30 (matinee) Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit

Mon. Oct. 1 (evening reserved)
Tues. Oct. 2
Wed. Oct. 3 St. Thomas the Apostle, Ann Arbor
Thur. Oct. 4
Fri. Oct. 5 (evening) Assumption Church , Windsor , Ontario (don't confuse with Assumption Grotto in Detroit).

The Confessions of Saint Augustine

Sat. Oct. 6

Sun. Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. St. Gerald, Farmington
Mon. Oct. 8
Tues. Oct. 9
Wed. Oct. 10 (evening) Shrine of the Little Flower, Royal Oak
Thur. Oct. 11
Fri. Oct. 12 7:30 p.m. Southgate/Downriver Vicariate


Here is a post series I did last year when Leonardo visited Assumption Grotto as Maximillian Kolbe in a fantastic performance.



More pictures from other stops in metro Detroit.

Te Deum Laudamus! Home