I'm Sorry Dad
An Original Written Comedy
Synopsis
A failed writer-turned-alcoholic’s escape to Italy unravels as a passionate dancer is hired to inspire him, but a love triangle and an enigmatic visitor threaten everything.
We’re able to bring the show directly to your venue with ease. Thanks to its minimal set design and quick setup, I'm Sorry Dad is fully portable and adaptable to a variety of locations.
A Show That Comes to You
History
Originally written by Gabriel Sousa and Matthew Reilly, I'm Sorry Dad first received glowing feedback as a staged reading during their college years. Following its success and strong comedic reception, the creative team, led by Gabriel Sousa, Tim Mendes, and Matthew Reilly, began bringing the show to audiences across Connecticut and New York City. Now, the team is gearing up for the next slate of tour dates.
Story Details
Detailed Narrative
​
After becoming notorious in the United States for writing a disaster of a book, struggling writer Lewis Emery escapes to Italy. He spends his days at Usakelly’s, a charming but quirky local bar. There, he drowns his artistic block in drinks.
​
As Lewis spirals, his new friends scheme to hire Romalio, an eccentric dancer, to help reignite Lewis’ passion for life and writing. What no one expects is how Romalio’s presence will become the emotional glue for everyone at the bar.
With a revolving door of bar staff and offbeat regulars - including a Swedish couple waiting for the arrival of the mythical and enigmatic Fabio - I'm Sorry Dad is a fast-paced, character-driven comedy filled with unexpected love, unspoken truths, and general absurdity.
​
Character Descriptions
Lewis Emery
The main character. A heartbroken, blocked writer who has fled to Italy. He hopes his drinking will cause him to gain creativity for his next big book idea. He will be lost and unmotivated until something (or someone) reignites his spark.
​
Gabriella Usafelli
A bartender at Usakelly’s and an aspiring soap opera actress. She's charming and ambitious, hoping to escape her life behind the bar.
​
Tomasso Romassio
The passionate and mysterious owner of Usakelly’s. Although he is passionate about his bar, he dreams of traveling the world with his lover. Secretly, his would-be lover is someone very close by.
​
Romalio Usanelli
A dancer hired by Tomasso to help save Lewis from his downward spiral. He brings joy, dance, and unexpected therapy to everyone in the bar. ​
​
Isla & Ragnar
A married couple from Sweden. They visit Usakelly's for its coastal charm, but stick around when they hear that the mythically attractive Fabio has a reservation. ​
​
Fabio...
The long-awaited legend. His arrival is anticipated by nearly everyone at the bar. Fabio represents hope, desire, and the dream of something better for all of Italy.
Set Design
​​
The show is staged entirely in the bar, with a minimalist yet atmospheric design that allows for quick pacing and creative movement. The set requires ample space for Romalio’s dance scenes and features high character traffic, creating a dynamic, ever-shifting energy. It’s simple to set up and portable for various performance spaces, making it perfect for touring.