Edward F. Cassidy
“The First Violin” is an intriguing and highly-emotional play, in five Acts. It offers unique insight into the everyday lives of normal, hard-working Italian immigrants, living in New York City during the late 1950’s. Fourteen-year-old Salvatore de Salvo, the eldest son of the family, is blessed with a precious and rare gift – he is a musical prodigy – who has a love of the violin. His talent offers him, as well as his whole family, a glimpse at a life that none of them ever imagined existed, let alone be part of. The dialogue is familiar and realistic, as could only come from an author who personally grew-up and lived immersed in, and surrounded by, that culture and ethnicity. “The First Violin” is guaranteed to make you laugh, and to make you cry. It is a memorable work offering incredible vignettes that can be enjoyed by all ages. It is a timeless and unforgettable play that will touch your heartstrings.
Edward F. Cassidy was born in Brooklyn, New York City in 1958. He is a scientist and businessman, who has worked in industry - in the United States and Europe - for the past 25 years. He holds a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry and Polymer Science, and has a varied technical, marketing and sales background. He has extensively traveled around the globe - for both business and pleasure - his whole life. In addition to writing “My Year - Poems from the Road”, an AuthorHouse-published comprehensive compilation of ‘travel poems’, he has written an autobiography, a novel and numerous short stories. He is married and lives with his wife, Judith, along with their two dogs, in Michigan - in a suburb of Detroit. He has a daughter and grandson, who both live in Belgium.
" ......
MARIA. [excitedly] Oh, mama! Mr. Flannery has some good news to tell you, and papa!
MR. FLANNERY. That’s right, Mrs. de Salvo. [pauses, looks around] Is Mr. de Salvo in?
MAMA. No, I’m afraid not. Mr. de Salvo is at work.
MR. FLANNERY. That’s a shame. You see, I just took my wife to her appointment at the beauty salon, where Maria works. Maria wasn’t too busy at that moment, so, I asked her if it would be possible to meet you, and Mr. de Salvo, and to… [pauses, looks around again] see where Salvatore lived.
MAMA. [smiles] That’s fine, Mr. Flannery. Won’t you join us for a cup of coffee?
MR. FLANNERY. Thank you, but no. I really can’t stay very long. [takes a seat at the table anyway] I just wanted to tell you and Mr. de Salvo that Salvatore is making remarkable progress - unlike that which any of us in the Academy has seen before.
MARIA. [sits next to MAMA, takes her hand] You see?! I told you that he had good news, mama!
MAMA. [softly] Shhhh! Let Mr. Flannery speak, Maria.
MR. FLANNERY. [intensely] Salvatore has what we call a ‘natural’ ability...…something that is very, very rare. [slowly, looking upwards] It seems as though the music is coming from his very soul. [to MAMA] Several of the conductors, and even some of the other musicians, say it is like the instrument is being played from within him. [excitedly, and louder] He plays the violin magnificently! Salvatore is able to keep pace with some of the greatest classical musicians this country has to offer - perhaps, even the world! ......"
