Brother vs. Brother: Magic Hands Freddy with Rispoli and Macchio Opens, Feb. 19

By Ernio Hernandez
19 Feb 2004

Michael Rispoli ("The Sopranos") and Ralph Macchio ("The Karate Kid") star as brothers in the new Arje Shaw play, Magic Hands Freddy, opening Feb. 19 at The SoHo Playhouse.

Rebecca Taylor directs the production presented by Dana Matthow, Steve Alpert and Kenneth Greiner. The show began performances Feb. 5 at the downtown Manhattan venue.

The Gathering playwright pens Magic Hands Freddy which centers on two brothers whose lives have gone in very different directions. The title refers to the lead character who lives a simple life as a masseur.

The cast also features Antoinette LaVecchia and Ed Chemaly. The design team includes Jason Sturm (scenic and lighting) and Yvonne De Moravia (costume).

Rispoli — known to HBO audiences as Jackie Aprile on "The Sopranos" — has appeared on stage in Balm in Gilead (directed by John Malkovich), Macbeth, Tartuffe, A Midsummer Night's Dream and on Broadway in Wilder, Wilder, Wilder. His film credits include "While You Were Sleeping," "To Die For," "The Juror," "Snake Eyes," and "Summer of Sam."

Macchio — known the world over as "The Karate Kid" — made his Off-Broadway and Broadway debut in Cuba and His Teddy Bear opposite Robert DeNiro. He also starred in the national tour of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Other film credits include "The Outsiders," "Teachers," "Naked in New York," and "My Cousin Vinny."

For tickets to Magic Hands Freddy at The SoHo Playhouse, 15 Vandam Street, call (212) 239-6200.