This comic drama broke all box office records for straight plays at Philadelphia's Walnut Street Theatre. Faced with the impending loss of his mother to dementia and death, John clings to memories to postpone present decisions. He views his life in operatic proportions, feeling a kinship with Alfredo in La Traviata, with Rudolpho in La Boheme and with Tosca in Tosca because they too were unable to save the one they loved. The value of family unity and acceptance of death as an affirmation of life, twin themes in the play, emerge as John finds answers for the present in the past.
Italian Funerals and Other Festive Occasions was first presented by the Walnut Theatre in Philadelphia in 1995. It was directed by Scott Reiniger.