Ron Iannone’s memoir includes photographs of family, friends, and some of his many theatrical productions. (Image Provided)
MORGANTOWN — WVU professor emeritus and “man of the theatre” Ron Iannone has published his memoir and penned his first children’s book.
After publishing 10 other books, ranging from essays and educational theory, to poetry, plays, novels, and a children’s book, Iannone has completed his memoir, “As the Final Curtain Comes Down, I Still Need the Applause: A Semi-Autobiographical Journey to the Life of Theatre.”
Iannone has spent decades dedicating himself to teaching, producing plays and musicals, writing, and making art. Now, with the perspective of an actor near the end of a performance he is able to look back on the narrative of his life, reflecting on the people, places, and events that have shaped him. From his early years in an Italian American family in upstate New York, to his professional work in West Virginia and elsewhere, Iannone gives a thoughtful account of scenes from his life, rich with experiences.
Iannone’s memoir includes photographs of family, friends, and some of his many theatrical productions. A number of his editorial essays, primarily regarding education and the arts, are featured in this volume, giving the reader another insight into the mind of the author. Finally, letters from special friends of the theatre, with whom Iannone worked closely, conclude the book, underscoring Iannone’s indisputable contributions to his community.
Meanwhile, Iannone’s children’s book, “The Old Lady Who Lived at the Bottom of the Lake,” is derived from a tale he first told many years ago to his children and their neighborhood friends. This book tells the story of a mean old lady and her catfish friend, Billy. After they kidnap local guppies and force them to work in her dilapidated castle, young Captain Mason comes to the rescue! The fearless boy marshals his troops, and in the end, everyone learns a bit more about each other–and themselves.
Iannone’s daughter, Mary Beth Sickles, who grew up hearing the many versions of the “Old Lady” story, assisted with polishing the text for this version. For illustrations, Iannone paired up with artist Kerry Forbeck. Forbeck’s rich, imaginative, and detailed original watercolors bring Old Lady, Billy, Captain Mason, and their entire underwater world to life.
Both books (paperback) are available on Amazon.com and at The Book Exchange in Morgantown.
This post was originally published on here
