Accolades

For My Pet, My Love (2016 United Solo Theatre Festival, New York):

WINNER wreath

WINNER – Best Actor of the Festival (Rob Gaetano)

For My Pet, My Love (2016 New Zealand Fringe Festival):

“It takes a lot of courage to unpretentiously put one’s life on stage and Gaetano is to be commended for doing this and in such a way that is entertaining, as well as thought-provoking.”Dominion Post, New Zealand

“This piece is a mixture of monologue, mime and memories. Fractured memories of childhood, of first meetings – and memories that don’t exist but could. Fear is a game of ‘What if?’ Russian roulette we play with ourselves, and Gaetano pulls the trigger again and again. From the child whose imaginative world revolves around a blue fish called Bluey, to meeting a partner in a club for the first time, to his Nonna (grandmother) fading away into dementia. Some are sad, some funny, some hilarious, some confused. ” – theatreview.org.nz

For My Pet, My Love (2015 Midsumma Festival):

“Gaetano has a natural command of the stage, and morphs between the characters confidently… he delivers sensitive and poignant moments of love, loss, memory and death. ★★★★”  – Time Out Melbourne

“Gaetano’s acting here is provocative and in parts stunning.”Planet Arts Melbourne

“Put yourself in the hands of this talented performer, give this production the full hour, you won’t regret it. Gaetano knows what he’s doing.” runningoutthedoor (Theatre Blog)

For Kiss Me Like You Mean It (2014):

Reid and Gaetano are utterly believable as the acerbic, defensive Ruth and sweet, gormless Tony, and the chemistry between them crackles….Director Kate Shearman handles her actors so deftly that we’re able to fill in the gaps for ourselves… Kiss Me Like You Mean It is a funny and moving piece of work, and this production makes the most of its considerable charms.  – ArtsHub

Alexander’s voice was very easy on the ear. It was melodious and deep and he delivered his lines with the kind of confidence that is cultivated over years of performing experience. Moczynski’s character served as a good counterpoint to her over ambitious and confident husband. Her small stature belied a great determination of mind and solid character. Moczynski creates a character that does remain with you a few hours after curtain down.

… the naturalism played out on this small traverse stage and the sheer commitment of the actors makes for a good night’s entertainment.  – Theatre People

As you might imagine from the precise, sustaining a piece of theatre likes this relies heavily on the skill of the performers. This is especially the case in such a tight performance space as the Owl & the Pussycat – a narrow cricket pitch of stage for the garden, and a very compact set to evoke Don and Edie’s home. The audience is so close that those in the front row could reach out and touch the actors. Thankfully, the whole cast was up to the job, delivering solid performances with absolute commitment. Rob Gaetano as Tony is engaging while self-deprecating. Chloe Reid as Ruth gives us a cool exterior with a nice spark of genuine warmth beneath, which gradually emerges as the play progresses. Kirk Alexander as Don is full of bluster, passion and infectious energy. And a special mention must be made of Carrie Moczynski, whose genuine, touching and multi-layered Edie was a standout. – Stage Whispers