WELCOME  to PAPC

The Pride Players of The Pride Alliance of Passaic County will bring the outrageous comedy My Big Gay Italian Funeral to the stage at the Mountainside Inn, 509 Hazel Street in Clifton, NJ, on April 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m. and April 19 at 2:00 p.m.

Written by Anthony J. Wilkinson, the play continues the wildly popular Italian comedy series that has entertained audiences across the country with its blend of big personalities, family drama, and heartfelt humor.

Set during an over-the-top Italian-American wake, My Big Gay Italian Funeral begins as the Pinnunziato family gathers to mourn the passing of family patriarch Joseph Pinnunziato. As relatives and friends arrive to pay their respects, emotions run high, secrets surface, and the traditional funeral quickly spirals into a chaotic and hilarious celebration of family, faith, and identity.

Packed with quick-witted dialogue, bold characters, and the unmistakable warmth of Italian family traditions, the show explores themes of acceptance, loyalty, and love—all delivered with a generous dose of sass and laughter. Whether longtime fans of the Italian comedy series or first-time audiences, theatergoers can expect an evening that is both hilarious and heartfelt.

The Pride Players’ production features a talented local cast including T-Bone Rube as Peter Pinnunziato; C. Frankie Spear as Angela Pinnunizato, Rich Pearson as Rabbi Howie Horowitz; Cindy Ryan as Maria Pinunnizato; James McArthur as Vidal; Donald Pauselius as Maurizio LaGrande; Brooke Kaye as Ondine Ozzupacci; Barry Kaye as Ezio; Andrea Podgarsky as Aunt Toniann; Annie Schussler as Connie/Eva/Aunt Donna; Rita Carfi as Lucia; Anthony Valle as Diamondelle; Arthur Carlson as Dominick Vitale; and Mike Stracco as Anthony Pinnunziato, who also directs the production. Jess Katz serves as Assistant Director; Gianna Stracco as Assistant Stage Manager;  and Aidan Carlson as Stage Crew Captain.

Adding to the excitement, the production will feature special guest Cathy Renna for one night only on April 17. Renna, a nationally recognized LGBTQ+ activist and communications professional, will appear in a special cameo role.

More than just a comedy, My Big Gay Italian Funeral is a celebration of family in all its forms—filled with outrageous humor, unforgettable characters, and moments that remind audiences that love, laughter, and family can survive even the most dramatic of goodbyes.

Erica Muszynski, the Vice President of the Pride Alliance adds, “You’re going to laugh — a lot.”  “But beyond the comedy, this show reminds us that family comes in many forms and that love and acceptance always win in the end.”  

Tickets are available at www.givebutter.com/MBGIF