«The boy with the pink pants», the story of Andrea Spezzacatena, the young man who took his own life because he was a victim of bullying, arrives at the theater for the first time in the form of a juke box musical, with a playlist of very popular Italian pop-rock songs chosen as an integral part of the story. The theatrical show introduces an adult Andrea, played by Christian Roberto from Messina, who reflects on the past, creating a direct dialogue with the audience. The role of fifteen-year-old Andrea is entrusted to Samuele Carrino, already the protagonist of the film, while Rossella Brescia plays the mother and Sara Ciocca the school friend. With this theatrical version, director Massimo Romeo Piparo, who wrote the project together with Roberto Proia, focuses everything on emotions, conveying a message of very high social value. A story that concerns everyone and that stimulates deep reflection through art and music.
The film on Netflix remained in the top ten of the most watched titles for over a month. We interviewed co-star Christian Roberto.
Who is your character in the show?
«Andrea as an adult. When Piparo talked to me about the role, he explained that the message was to tell what Andrea could have become if he had made different decisions. On stage I am the narrator, but also the thoughts of the adolescent Andrea: what he feels and is unable to say. At times I intervene like an older brother who defends and guides him.”
Is there a scene that challenges you the most, emotionally or technically?
«Without a doubt that of the cruel joke with the video published on social media. On stage I utter some of the terrible comments addressed to Andrea, and every time I feel an enormous weight. When you are a teenager you don’t understand the difference between being “socially dead” and really being so.”
In your opinion, what is the most important thing kids should take home after the show?
«The message is to never give up and never feel overwhelmed but above all to ask for help».
In your opinion, what changes between seeing this story at the cinema and experiencing it at the theatre?
«The emotions of experiencing a live show are an “emotional rush”. I’ll give you an example: one of the final scenes in which Andrea dies is represented in a crazy choreography to the tune of “A modo tuo” by Elisa”.
What is it like working with Samuele Carrino and Rossella Brescia?
«Working with Samuele was fun. He is younger than me but we have many things in common. We share the dressing room. It’s a little messy but it’s a blast. A very talented boy. Rossella Brescia is a fantastic woman. I have a wonderful relationship with her and she also gave Samuele and me a lot of advice on nutrition. The first few days we brought real rubbish to the theater. She told us: but how do you eat these things? And now I’m going to the theater with biscuits…”.
What are the planned stages?
«The main stage is on the Sistina stage in Rome. If the show goes as we imagine we will do a real tour.”
What relationship do you have with Massimo Romeo Piparo?
«I call Massimo “uncle”: we are both from Messina. When I went to Billy Elliot’s first audition, I didn’t know that he was also from Messina, and we discovered it on that occasion. Since then we have worked together many times: he also wanted me in The Full Monty and in Mamma Mia!
What message do you want to send to Teresa Manes, who has become a symbol?
«She is already sending the biggest message. With enormous courage he is telling this story.”
