The Italian American Museum of Cleveland presents A Shoemaker’s Tale

A Heartwarming One Man Show

Why you should see this show…

Step into the heartwarming world of A Shoemaker’s Tale, where actor and storyteller Steve Scionti masterfully transforms into eight unforgettable characters to bring his Italian American family to life. Set against the backdrop of a post-funeral gathering honoring his grandfather, shoemaker Angelo Morello, this poignant and humorous one-man show takes audiences on a journey through love, loss, and the ties that bind generations together. With passion, comedy, and heartfelt storytelling, Scionti’s performance transcends cultural lines—inviting everyone to experience the universal power of family.

Steve Scionti Bio

Steven Scionti is an Italian American actor, writer, and producer known for his compelling work in theater, film, and television, both in acting and writing. He graduated from The Boston Conservatory of Music, Dance, and Theatre with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance and a minor in theatre. Scionti is a native of Middletown, Connecticut but his parents and grandparents immigrated to the United States from Melilli, Sicily, located in the province of Siracusa. He gained recognition and acclaim for his autobiographical one-man show, A Shoemaker’s Tale, formerly titled Hear What’s in the Heart, which explores his Italian American heritage through a deeply personal and humorous lens.

Premiering in 1997 at the Zephyr Theater in Los Angeles, California, Steven has performed A Shoemaker’s Tale to sold out audiences in California, Connecticut, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina, and most recently at the Akron Civic Theater in Akron, Ohio. The show earned Scionti two Los Angeles Dramalogue Awards for Best Performance and Best Writing and was chosen for presentation at the prestigious HBO Workshop. It was also selected for the 2009 New York Fringe Festival where it received outstanding reviews from Time Out New York, NewYorkCityTheater.com, and The New York Times.

Scionti has appeared in various television shows, films, and stage productions. He played the lead role of “Freddy” opposite Ralph Macchio in the critically acclaimed off-Broadway play Magic Hands of Freddy and made his Broadway debut as “The Announcer” in Legzs Diamond starring the late Peter Allen. Other theater credits include the role of “Larry” in A Chorus Line, “Action” in West Side Story, Mendel in Fiddler on the Roof, and Eddie in A View from the Bridge. In October 2025, Scionti will perform the part of Tony in the off-Broadway musical production Fixin’ Frankie in New York City directed by Joe Langworth.
 

The Italian American Professional Business Club

The Italian American Professional Business Club promotes Italian American ideals of community involvement, culture, heritage, and family while creating opportunities for personal and professional development. iapbc.org
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The Italian American Museum of Cleveland

The Italian American Museum of Cleveland (IAMCLE) preserves and presents the history and culture of the Italian Americans community of Northeast Ohio through engaging exhibits, immersive programs, and dynamic collaborations. Founded on Columbus Day in 2020 with a generous grant from the Italian Sons & Daughters of America and its National President, Hon. Basil M. Russo, IAMCLE is proudly situated in the historic and lively Little Italy neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio. Admission is free, inviting all to explore and celebrate this enduring heritage. Learn more at iamcle.org.
 

Dining Option

Our Concert Hall menu is fast to the table and allows you to dine right in your ticketed seat. Tableside food service will start when doors open and the kitchen will close approximately halfway through the show. Tableside beverage service will continue throughout the concert.