THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2019 // 9
said.
Frank Jagodnik is her equally dramatic
counterpart, Vito, whom Jagodnik described
as “probably one of the most outrageous
characters I’ve ever played here.” The pas-
sionate, narcissistic Italian, who often
refers to himself in the third-person, has
a short temper but also can be tender and
well-meaning.
The old and the new
Rehearsing “Living on Love” has been a
growing experience for several of the actors.
While Jagodnik perfected his Italian accent
and became comfortable with large hand
gestures, Ryan became acquainted with
opera and learned to sing a few bars. Her
husband, Thomas Ryan, who portrays Eric,
even started playing the piano.
Meanwhile, Emilee Andrade has discov-
ered much of herself in Iris Peabody, the
other ghostwriter who challenges the socie-
tal norms of the 1950s by pursuing a career
over marriage.
“She is her own woman, wants to do her
own thing, build her own career,” Andrade
said.
When she meets Robert Samson —
Raquel’s ghostwriter, played by Bennett
Hunter — she discovers the two are not
mutually exclusive, that she can have both a
relationship and a career. Andrade also has
enjoyed the 1950 trends, references and nos-
talgia artfully integrated into the show.
“It’s neat to have loved that era and to
finally actually get to play in that era,” she
said.
While primarily a romantic comedy, the
show has a touching and relatable element as
Vito and Raquel deal with arriving at the tail-
end of their fame-studded careers. Not only
are they forced to grapple with their own iden-
tities in this later stage of life but are reminded
of why they fell in love in the first place.
“It’s really sweet,” Lathrop said. “It’s not
going to change anybody’s life. It doesn’t
make a huge pointed social statement, or
political statement, or anything at all. It’s just
a really sweet, lovely romantic comedy.” CW
CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM: In ‘Living on Love,’
young ghostwriter Robert Samson attempts
for weeks to write an autobiography of
Maestro Vito De Angelis, who is constantly late
and embellishing stories of his love life.
In ‘Living on Love,’ Maestro Vito De Angelis, left,
played by Frank Jagodnik, and Diva Raquel De
Angelis, played by Cathey Ryan, have dueling
ghostwritten autobiographies in the works.
Assistant Junior Editor Iris Peabody, left,
played by Emilee Andrade, with Maestro Vito
De Angeles, played by Frank Jagodnik, and
his persistent sexual advances.
Edward Stratton photos