Piccolo Theatre History
Long ago (we wouldn't DARE tell you how long ago), two Valparaiso University students gallivanted off to jolly old England (Coventry, to be exact) and met up with a famous mime, Geoffrey Buckley. Under the tutelage of Mr. Buckley, they learned the ancient (and irreverent) theatre form known as Commedia dell'Arte. This masked comedic style became the basis of the Emmy Award-winning work of Mr. John Szostek and Mr. Ken Raabe.
Less long ago (in 1997), John went back to his alma mater to guest direct the famous Carlo Goldoni play, A Servant of Two Masters, which was selected to present at the American College Theatre Festival. Through this rather insane experience, a few students were bit with the Commedia bug. So, they all moved to Chicago and, together with the aforementioned characters, founded the company.
