Gabriele Muccino, the Italian filmmaker known for his emotionally resonant dramas, is stepping into the world of theatre with A Casa Tutti Bene
, an adaptation of his 2018 film. The production will have an exclusive Tuscan run at the Teatro Manzoni in Pistoia on and .
The play centers on the Ristuccia family, who gather at their ancestral home to celebrate the 80th birthday of their matriarch, Alba. What begins as a seemingly joyful occasion quickly unravels, exposing long-held conflicts and simmering tensions among the eleven family members. The narrative promises to explore universal themes of hope, love, betrayal, and the pursuit of a better future, offering audiences a relatable reflection of their own familial dynamics.
Muccino describes bringing A Casa Tutti Bene
to the stage as both an important adventure and a natural progression for the story. The unity of place and time, concentrated in the family home, adapts perfectly to the theatrical language, transforming the stage into a microcosm where family dynamics explode,
he explained in production notes. The theatre amplifies the emotional intensity of the characters, making the audience a participant in their fragility and tensions. It’s a universal story in which everyone can recognize themselves, finding in the complex family ties a reflection of their own experiences. With this adaptation, I want to offer an intimate and profound experience that captures the essence of family, with its imperfections and conflicts.
The production boasts a strong cast led by Giuseppe Zeno and Anna Galiena, alongside Alice Arcuri, Ilaria Carabelli, Maria Chiara Centorami, Lorenzo Cervasio, Simone Colombari, Vera Dragone, Sandra Franzo, Alessio Moneta, and Celeste Savino. The play is co-written by Marcello Cotugno and Irene Alison, and features music by the acclaimed Nicola Piovani.
Muccino’s career began with his debut film in 1998, but he gained international recognition with The Last Kiss
(L’ultimo bacio) in 2001, which won the David di Donatello award for Best Director and garnered a Sundance Film Festival audience award. Entertainment Weekly also included it in their top 10 films of the year. He subsequently transitioned to Hollywood, directing The Pursuit of Happyness
starring Will Smith, a critical and commercial success, and later Seven Pounds
, also with Smith. His other American directorial credits include What to Expect When You’re Expecting
with Gerard Butler and Fathers and Daughters
with Russell Crowe.
Returning to Italy, Muccino directed Summer on Skin
(L’estate addosso) in 2016, followed by A Casa Tutti Bene
in 2018 and The Most Beautiful Years of Our Lives
(Gli anni più belli) in 2020. His latest film, The Untold Things
(Le cose non dette), was released in January .
The Teatro Manzoni will also host an opportunity for audience engagement. On , at 6:00 PM, the cast will participate in a discussion as part of the Il teatro nel carrello
series, promoted in collaboration with UNICOOP Firenze – Pistoia section. Admission to this event is free, on a first-come, first-served basis.
This theatrical adaptation marks a significant step for Muccino, extending the reach of his storytelling beyond the screen. The exclusive Tuscan engagement at the Teatro Manzoni positions A Casa Tutti Bene
as a noteworthy cultural event for the region, offering audiences a chance to experience a familiar story in a new and intimate format. Tickets are available through physical box offices and online at bigliettoveloce.it.
