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The Rose Tattoo

Play

Overview

Synopsis

In a small Sicilian-American community along the Gulf Coast, Serafina delle Rose is a fiery and passionate wife and mother. When her husband Rosario is murdered while smuggling contraband in a banana truck, Serafina shuts herself away from life and love. She ignores the town gossip--especially about Rosario’s infidelity--and lives in a stupor until her daughter Rosa declares herself in love. Frustrated and heartbroken, Serafina angrily attacks anyone who reason with her. That is, until a banana truck driver named Alvaro Mangicavallo arrives at her door. He has the body of her late husband, but the face of a clown. He awkwardly attempts to flirt and seduce--and his earnest and simple actions finally crack through Serafina’s heartbreak.

The play that Tennessee Williams called his “love-play to the world,” The Rose Tattoo is a passionate tale of superstitions, promises, and the possibility of love and passion after a broken heart. Revived on Broadway several times, The Rose Tattoo offers wit and comedy while reminding the audience to open their hearts and find hope where they least expect it.

Show Information

Category
Play
Age Guidance
Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
Number of Acts
3
First Produced
1950
Genres
Comedy, Drama
Settings
Period, Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
1950s, Gulf Coast village, Sicilian-American community
Cast Size
large
Dancing
None
Ideal For
College/University, Community Theatre, Large Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Female, Mostly Female Cast, Includes Adult, Early Teen, Late Teen, Young Adult, Mature Adult, Elderly, Child Characters

Context

Plot

Characters

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Character Portrayals

See StageAgent members who have performed roles in The Rose Tattoo.

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Monologues

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Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Videos

Quizzes

Guide Written By:

Cindi Calhoun

Cindi Calhoun

Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress