Take a Heroic Trip with DTC in the U.S. Premiere of "Glory Ride"

By Mike Logothetis

Theater reviewer Mike Logothetis grew up in North Wilmington, performing in school and local theater productions. He lives in Newark, but you can find him wherever the arts are good.

Delaware Theatre Company (DTC) takes its audience on a thrilling ride of defiance, sacrifice, and hope during World War II. Based on a true story, Glory Ride reveals the secret life of legendary Tour de France champion Gino Bartali, who conspired with the Cardinal of Florence to save hundreds of persecuted innocents from Mussolini’s Fascist Blackshirts. 

Glory Ride, now playing at DTC.  Photo courtesy of DTC.

Cycling thousands of miles, this unlikely team created the fastest resistance network the world never knew about...until now. Following a sold-out London debut, the piece is proudly making its U.S. Premiere at DTC, transporting audiences to the hills of Tuscany for an unforgettable, emotional adventure.

DTC’s Producing Artistic Director Mimi Warnick said: “Audiences may know Gino Bartali as a celebrated cyclist, but his impact during World War II went far beyond sport. DTC is proud to produce this new musical and invite audiences to be part of its future.”

Warnick added that Wilmington itself offers a lot for productions with an eye on a Broadway run, including its experience in premiering new works and its proximity to New York City, with its legions of actors and technical experts.

Right out of the gate, one is mesmerized by the imposing set by Beowulf Boritt. A circular screen commands the center of the action with angular beams radiating from it like a sun or a bicycle cog with its many teeth. All were constructed with an emphasis on symmetry and simplicity – a la fascist architecture. 

Images are projected on all free surfaces and from above onto the rotating stage floor. Kudos to Nicholas Hussong for the visuals, especially the rose window. It’s all very impressive and integrates wonderfully with Director Michael Bello’s grand vision. The story is incredible. The courage of Bartali and others is inspiring. The musical is uplifting even if some don’t make it out alive.

The book is by Victoria Buchholz and her father Todd Buchholz with music and lyrics by the younger Buchholz. While not memorable in a classic way, the songs serve an emotional purpose and showcase the lovely voices of the cast. None is more powerful than Bri Javis’s, who played Sister Maria. All songs in this production are sung live by the cast, which works in the confines of the cozy Riverfront theater.

The excellent cast is comprised of Matthew Amira (Bartali), Jared Zirilli (Il Lupo), Gavin Gregory (Cardinal Dalla Costa), Neal Mayer/Matthew Michael Janisse (Giorgio Nico), Javis, Patrick Oliver Jones (Commander Graziani), Sean Luc Rogers (Mario), Stephanie Prestage (Adriana), Willem Ford Butler, Elbi Cespedes, Chris Marsh Clark, Lincoln Cohen, David Hoffman, Cody Howard, Isabella Kaplan, Corinne Munsch, Michael Notardonato, Matthew Rella, Trevor Michael Schmidt, Scott Silagy, Everett Sobers, and Brooke Sterling.

Amira portrays Bartali as a simple man with a caring heart and conflicted loyalties. His voice could boom and focus attention on himself or meld tenderly with duet partners like Prestage. His song “King of the Mountains” is a highlight, especially with the accompanying choreography by Denis Jones. Jones utilizes props, the screens, and the rotating stage to perfection throughout the show. The effects are wonderful. The musical number “Ad Astra” aligned the stage direction, choreography, and lighting (Cory Pattak) in perfect harmony.

But the overarching question posed by the show is: “What is glory?” Bartali has experienced it by winning the Tour de France. Mario never had it until his wartime heroics provided it to him. The humble Cardinal and his bookkeeper Nico don’t want it to draw attention to their mission of saving those whom the authorities would like to see eliminated. The pursuit or avoidance of glory has different value for the characters and they struggle one way or the other to achieve their goals.

“Glory Ride isn’t just a race. It’s proof that one quiet act of courage can outrun evil,” said co-author Todd Buchholz.

Bravo to the entire production team, staff, musicians, and actors for this extremely satisfying theater experience.

Glory Ride finishes its run on Sunday, March 15. Showtimes are Wednesdays (2:00 & 7:00pm), Thursdays and Fridays (7:00pm), Saturdays (2:00 & 7:30pm), and Sundays (2:00pm). Ticket prices start at $39 and discounts are available. 

The play is roughly 2 hours and 25 minutes long with one 15-minute intermission. Join DTC for Viewpoints every Wednesday, starting 45 minutes before the start of the show. 

Talkbacks – Q&As with the creative team – occur Thursdays after the final curtain. Call 302.594.1100 or visit www.delawaretheatre.org to purchase tickets or for performance information. Delaware Theatre Company is located at 200 Water Street in Wilmington.

DTC recommends this show for children aged 12 and up due to its length and subject matter. More about Glory Ride can be found on its website: www.gloryridemusical.com.