Artwork for the upcoming world premiere of "From Brooklyn to Boca" [By Walk the Walk Productions]
What happens when an imperfect Italian Catholic family in the federal witness protection program attempts to pass as a near-perfect Jewish family in Boca Raton? Comedy, chaos and heartfelt moments abound in “From Brooklyn to Boca,” a two-act play premiering at The Studio at Mizner Park in Boca Raton from Jan. 9 to 19.
“Sopranos” Meets “Goldbergs”
This production follows the Rifiuto family — Regina, her mobster-turned-informant husband, Frank, and their son, Carmine — as they trade their shady Brooklyn lifestyle for sunny Boca Raton under witness protection. With Frank having betrayed his crime family, Regina reluctantly agrees to the move, sparking a series of comedic events as the family struggles to fit into a new identity as a Jewish family in South Florida.
The play explores universal themes of family, love, relationships and acceptance with humor and charm. Written from a woman’s perspective, “From Brooklyn to Boca” offers a fresh take on the fish-out-of-water comedy genre, infused with clever twists and a heartfelt story.
Star-Studded Cast
The production boasts a talented cast of 16, showcasing some of South Florida’s finest comedic actors. Miami’s Alex Alonso stars as Frank, alongside Boca Raton’s Sharon Pfeiffer as Regina. Kalel Carrera, a 12-year-old stage veteran from Davie, portrays Carmine.
The crime family adds to the hilarity with standout performances by Vincent Prestigiacomo (Big Sal) from Pompano Beach, Benjamin Giordano (Joey “Bag A Laundry”) from Rocky Point, New York, Kevin Wilson (Mikey “The Bat”) from Palm Bay, and Al Giordano (Vinny) from Lake Worth. Delray Beach actors Michael Blacksburg (Rabbi Rabinowitz), Bob Sharkey (Father O’Neill) and Roy Lynam (Agent Viso) bring additional depth and humor to the show.
Supporting roles are played by seasoned South Florida talent, including Leslie Kandel (Boca Raton), Stephanie Manner (Fort Lauderdale), Jamie Mattocks (Boynton Beach), Christian Cooper (Fort Lauderdale) and Cameron Holder (Miami Gardens).
Behind the Scenes
Produced by Walk the Walk Productions, “From Brooklyn to Boca” was written by Sharon Pfeiffer of Boca Raton and seasoned screenwriter Deni B. Sher of Weston. Their collaboration was born out of mutual admiration for each other’s work, and their creative partnership has resulted in a comedy that they believe could find its way to the silver screen.
“This is unlike anything we’ve ever seen,” Sher said.
Pfeiffer added, “We wanted to tell a story full of lovable characters, comedic plotlines and unexpected twists that resonate with audiences.”
Performance and Ticket Information
The production premieres with a VIP opening night Friday, Jan. 10, including a champagne reception. Tickets for the VIP event are $100. Regular performances run Thursdays through Sundays at 7:30 p.m., with matinees on Jan. 15 and weekends at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $45 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.
