Triumphant Return of ‘Scugnizzi’ Musical in Naples
Naples, April 12 – Claudio Mattone’s musical ‘C’era una volta… Scugnizzi’ received a triumphant reception at its debut in the Augusteo Theatre in Naples on Friday, April 11, 2026. The new production, featuring a young cast, captivated the audience and showcased the enduring power of the musical, which first premiered in 2001.
The musical, deeply rooted in Neapolitan culture, explores themes of street life, redemption, and the search for an alternative to a life of crime. Its songs, often characterized by fierce lyrics hidden behind seemingly cheerful melodies, resonate strongly with the city’s social fabric.
A Powerful Narrative and Enduring Songs
One of the musical’s most poignant songs, ‘A città ‘e Pulecenella,’ though not part of the original 1989 Nanni Loy film soundtrack, was released in 1992 and serves as an embryonic representation of Mattone’s entire work. The lyrics, expressing the frustration and anger of people living in a city where injustice prevails, continue to strike a chord:
“Me dispiace sulamente/
ca ll’orgoglio ‘e chesta gente/
se murtifica ogne juorno/
pe na maneca ‘e fetiente/
ca nun teneno cuscienza/
e nun teneno rispetto/
comme fanno a piglia’ suonno/
quanno è ‘a sera dint”o lietto”
This sentiment, describing the daily humiliation of proud people by unscrupulous individuals, highlights the musical’s critical commentary on societal issues.
The story of ‘C’era una volta… Scugnizzi’ remains relevant due to its extraordinary core of songs and its unflinching portrayal of young people from challenging backgrounds. While earlier works like Loy’s film and Mattone’s musical focused on boys leaving institutions like Nisida, only to potentially get lost again, contemporary productions like ‘Mare fuori’ confine these youths to juvenile detention centers, presenting it as their only possible horizon.
The Role of Music as an Alternative
In ‘Scugnizzi,’ the character of Don Saverio, a former ‘muschillo’ (street kid) and drug dealer turned courageous priest, offers music as a dream and an alternative to street life. He empowers these street kids with a voice, urging them to break the wall of omertà (silence). The musical, in essence, becomes a powerful talent show for these young performers, who, through their raw talent and dedication, prove their ‘x factor’ without needing to compete.
Past notable performers in the musical include Sal Da Vinci, Andrea Sannino, Massimiliano Gallo, and Serena Rossi. The current production introduces a new generation of “absolute beginners” who deliver powerful performances. Alfonso Giorno, previously unknown, is praised for his credible portrayal of the protagonist, possessing a genuine and sensual voice. Ciro Salatino plays ‘o Russo, the deuteragonist, who emerges from Nisida with his former friend who has since become a priest.
The entire cast, though visibly emotional at their debut, is commended for their performances, including Aurora Caso, Benedetta Cenani, Claudio Cesa, Andrea Camilla Conte, Giovanni Di Capua, Vincenza Donciglio, Maria Sofia Dos Santos, Chiara Esposito, Emanuele Esposito, Francesco Esposito, Lorenzo Esposito, Fatima Gagliardi, Giusy Lo Sapio, Roberta Pellecchia, Luciano Romano, Lorenzo Simeone, Sara Stanco, Ernesto Tassari, and Antonella Vitiello.
Faithful to the Original with Modern Touches
The new production of ‘Scugnizzi’ remains faithful to the original in its staging by Bruno Garofalo, with Gino Landi’s choreography restored by Antonio Melissa and Anna Gargiulo, and Pino Perris’s arrangements. It includes a new song, ‘Parlame ancora,’ and a scene addressing the risk of xenophobia, even in a city as welcoming and multicultural as Naples.
The Augusteo Theatre audience embraced the young cast with endless applause, even moving Mattone, a master of Italian song, to tears. The musical is scheduled to run until May 4, with a strong possibility of extending its run. Subsequently, it will move to Rome’s Sistina Theatre starting November 18.
The return of ‘Scugnizzi’ underscores its enduring appeal and its ability to connect with audiences through its compelling story, powerful music, and relevant social commentary, continuing to highlight the struggles and hopes of Naples’ youth.
