'The Love List' review: Imperfect guy seeks
perfect gal
Originally published: April 8, 2014 3:39 PM
Updated: April 9, 2014 10:18 AM
By STEVE PARKS steve.parks@newsday.com
Adrienne Pelligrino, John Leone, center, and Richard Jimenez star in "Love List," Arena Players
at the Carriage House Theater, Vanderbilt Museum, Centerport, through April 19, 2014. (Credit:
Frederick De Feis)
At long last, another Long Island theater has discovered Norman Foster. After a dozen of the
Canadian author's plays produced by the BroadHollow Theatre Company, Arena Players brings
one of Foster's funniest to its stage.
In "The Love List," a slumping novelist tries to cheer up his friend on his 50th birthday. Bill, a
divorced statistician, thinks he's too boring to attract a date. At Leon's insistence, Bill, played
with forlorn exasperation by John Leone, lists the Top 10 qualities he desires in a woman. As
portrayed by Rich Jiminez, Leon masks his own insecurities with macho gestures and big talk.
Together, they create -- on paper -- the perfect match for Bill. To their amazement, she walks
through the door, just as Leon leaves to deliver the list to a mysterious matchmaker. But Justine,
sexy and solicitous in the person of Adrienne Pellegrino, is too good to be true.
Under Frederic De Feis' direction, the trio maneuvers the twists of this romantic "Twilight
Zone."
WHAT "The Love List"
WHEN|WHERE Friday and Saturday nights at 8, 3 p.m. Sundays through April 19, Arena
Players, Vanderbilt Museum's Carriage House Theatre, 180 Little Neck Rd., Centerport
TICKETS $20-$25; 516-293-0674, arenaplayers.org