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Bonetti helming tale of bawdy Brits

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Following his undergraduate days at Allentown College of St. Francis de Sales, now DeSales University, Damon Bonetti, though pleased with his performance record, realized he needed more immersion into the theatrical world to craft consistent executions of roles. Also desiring directing distinction, the native of the 2200 block of South Bonsall Street has two Barrymore Award nominations as proof of his progress, yet he has not allowed the serious nature of the business to detract from its humorous aspects. In a neat example of irony, the man so enthralled with the development of characters is helming “No Sex Please, We’re British,” a farce with matters of the flesh as the star.

“People shouldn’t be seeing this one hoping for much depth,” the 40-year-old overseer said laughing. “It’s such a fun piece and a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a summer show.”

The West Passyunk product is guiding the comedy through Aug. 23 at the Rose Valley-situated Hedgerow Theatre Co. space. A hybrid of humor that one would find in Benny Hill, Monty Python and “The Pink Panther” franchise, the script is helping Bonetti to fall more in love with farce, which he recently explored with South Philly dwellers Daniel Fredrick and Dave Johnson in “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” and to ponder “the mathematics of comedy.”

“There are sexual situations, mistaken identities and terrible puns, and the combination is just great,” he said of the work, which debuted in London’s West End in 1971 and received 16 Broadway performances two years later. “Throw in that I’ve made The Kinks the soundtrack, and it all makes for something not too taxing but nonetheless exciting.”

While enhancing his association with the Delaware County-based entity, Bonetti is simultaneously strengthening his bond with Commonwealth Classic Theatre Co., which will have him direct the world premiere of “Rage of Achilles” next month. Skewing heroic personas, the latter demands a “much more theatrical” approach, but regardless of a project’s identity, he appreciates each occasion to add to the diverse professional plate that keeps him constantly courting compelling material.

“It’s often feast or famine in this field,” Bonetti said. “Whichever one that people are going through, they have to trust that what they’re doing is placing them or keeping them on the right path. In a way, you have to be a fan of yourself, so to speak. From that, so many possibilities can flow.”

Living in South Philly until 12, Bonetti relocated with his family to Washington Township, with friend-assisted cinematic projects providing an initial outlet for his creativity. Senior year of high school yielded adoration for poetry and William Shakespeare, with community college and undergraduate studies breeding belief in his brand.

“I felt I had really good instincts and could articulate certain elements of a role, but I knew I needed polishing,” Bonetti, who became a hire for the Walnut Street Theatre, among others, before acquiring his master’s at Florida State University/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training, said. “I wanted to perform at a high level consistently because there has to be a true appreciation for the text to help someone not only to stand out but to advance the whole acting scene.”

His birth city and surrounding environs have proven extremely welcoming to his enthusiasm, with his résumé featuring interactions with such revered employers as Inis Nua Theatre; Luna Theatre Co., 620 S. Eighth St.; and Theatre Exile, 1340 S. 13th St., which come October will cast him as Sal Paolantonio in “Rizzo.” He returned to South Philly in 2003, living on the 2600 block of South Jessup Street with his Barrymore Award-winning bride, Charlotte Northeast, before moving to Collingswood, N.J., five years later.

“There are just so many opportunities to do great work in this area,” the thankful thespian said of his fortune. “That means meeting many excellent people, too.”

Having always yearned to unite his affinities for acting and directing and to explore more vintage pieces, he teamed with peer Dan Hodge, of the 900 block of Sigel Street, to found the Philadelphia Artists’ Collective, which enlists Northeast, Krista Apple-Hodge and Dickinson Square West inhabitant Katherine Fritz to promote “rarely performed classical plays through workshops and readings.”

“It’s ideal for me to do a bit of both each season,” Bonetti said of handling and offering direction, the former which he will engage in for the collective’s September FringeArts Festival entry “The Captive” and the latter which he will honor for April’s “He Who Gets Slapped,” a collaboration with The Philadelphia School of Circus Arts and West Passyunk denizen Terry Brennan. “I want to be a part of telling great stories, and each chance to do that is something I wish to nail as part of this big juggling act of making a living.”

Enthused about fostering fellow stage enthusiasts’ dreams, he has also enjoyed a busy academic career through instructing budding minds at Drexel, Rowan and Rutgers universities, noting how teaching informs all of his passions, including fatherhood, which he absolutely cherishes as the patriarch of 4-year-old Julian, music, which he intensifies as the lead guitarist of Jawbone Junction, featuring South Philadelphians Jake Blouch and Sarah Gliko, and film and television assignments.

“There are many outlets available to me, and that just blows me away,” Bonetti, who next month will also play in the Souderton-headquartered Montgomery Theater production of “God of Carnage,” said. “You definitely want that when you’re at any point in your life, but this is an exciting time for me, and I like balancing all these responsibilities.” 

For tickets, call 610-565-4211, or visit hedgerowtheatre.org.

Contact Managing Editor Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.

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