PITTSTON — To Marion Heycock, the showing of the holiday movie “The Feast of the Seven Fishes” at the John P. Cosgrove Center was much more than simple images on a screen. Instead, it was a reflection of her life as an Italian American.
The theme of the movie is the age-old Italian tradition of cooking seven different types of fishes on Christmas Eve.
Heycock, of Jenkins Township, and her daughter Carmel Shiptoski said the meal always includes angel hair pasta cooked with garlic and olive oil.
The other six fish dishes vary according to what type of fish is available and requests from family members.
Shiptoski, who traveled from Berwick to accompany her mom to the movie, said, to Italian Americans, the preparation of good food translates into a show of love for those gathered around the table.
Heycock said, “It was something that I did and my mother did and her mother did before her.”
As Carmel looked around at about 100 people gathered for the special showing, most of whom had a glass of wine in their hand and were gesturing with the other one, said, “Tonight has a familiar, family feel to it.”
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To Frank Mariano, attending the event had a special significance.
Mariano’s son Matthew composed the music for the movie.
The Marianos have deep roots in Italian tradition and, when presented with the project, Matthew, who lives in Los Angeles, thought the project was a great fit for him.
Frank and his wife Linda Keck enjoyed watching the film with other attendees, pleased with the obviously positive response of the crowd.
Mariano, originally from Hazleton, said Matthew had inherited his creativity, but his music ability seemed to be something he was simply born with.
“When he was 3, his favorite show was ‘The Boston Pops,’” Mariano said, laughing.
Mariano said his family have traditionally celebrated Christmas Eve with “seven fishes” and many other Italian traditions that enriched their lives.
“Hometown feel”
The movie’s producer Jeff Tinnell described the movie as a “romantic comedy” set in 1983.
The movie’s premise is a very Italian young man bringing home a “non-Italian” to celebrate Christmas Eve.
The movie has a happy ending “as it should,” Tinnell said.
Tinnel and his brother Robert, who wrote and directed the movie, said they were more than glad to bring their work to a small town, rich with Italian Americans.
“It’s a good fit,” said Jeff Tinnell. “Pittston is about reviving the arts and this has a hometown, grass roots feel.”
The brothers have completed about 10 movies, but describe “The Feast of the Seven Fishes” as ” a bit different.”
Mayor Michael Lombardo, who greeted those attending with a smile and an invitation to grab a glass of wine and a slice of pizza, said the movie was consistent with his vision for the city.
“It has such relevance,” he said, of the many Italian Americans living in the city.
Lombardo said the showing was also consistent with his hope to bring the American Theater back to Pittston.
The event was originally set to take place outdoors at the city’s amphitheater, but cold temperatures and blustery winds made it necessary to move the showing indoors, with those in attendance saying they appreciated the cozy feel of the venue.
The Downtown Pittston Partnership and Sabatelle’s Market partnered to make the showing possible.
