Mateo d’Amato, center right, stars as Eduardo, a Cuban-born gay playwright who shares more than a little in common with the author of “Not About Me,” now open at Theater for the New City.
“The protagonist and narrator of “Not About Me” is a Cuban-born playwright named Eduardo, played by Mateo d’Amato who bears a striking resemblance to Machado, sharing more than a little in common with the author.
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“Not about Me is never boring thanks in large part to the extravagant performance of its leading man, Mateo d’Amato… Not About Me is greatly enhanced by Mateo d’Amato’s memorable portrayal of Eduardo. Gesticulating wildly and rolling his eyes into the back of his head as he takes a drag of a cigarette, he’s like a Hollywood leading lady from the era of Bette Davis and Anne Baxter — always conscious of some invisible camera that is surely pointed at him. In another moment, he shouts, “Change the theatre it needs it,” his fist raised in the fashionable manner of those Brechtians who brunch. It’s a revealingly calculated performance, telling the story of a man who can sweep others up in his own myth with a dazzling wave of his hands. This is the kind of charisma that can be transformative or deadly in the hands of politicians, cult leaders, and teachers. Eduardo is by no means likable, but one cannot help but admire the chutzpah. ”
“First of all, Mateo d’Amato, a mercurial Eduardo, is captivating as he reels lithely from a high on Ecstasy and in pangs of love to being in a state of cold terror, fearing failure as an actor, a playwright, a lover, a husband, and even as a Cuban.”
“Led by Mateo d’Amato as the playwright, the intimate portrayal is explicit and honest, showing the good and bad points, the love and conflicts, and the range of emotions experienced, from camaraderie to jealousy, commitment to abandonment, joy to anger, while tracing the evolution of the writer and his sexual identity (from a married, closeted bisexual to openly gay), the growing threat of the mysterious disease that didn’t yet have a name but was killing increasing numbers of gay men, and the decimation of his circle.”
“With his striking chiseled facial features, piercing eyes, melodious voice and animated lithe physicality, the magnetic actor Mateo d’Amato carries the play in the demanding role of Eduardo. Mr. d’Amato is onstage throughout for two hours, effortlessly addressing the audience and intensely interacting with the other actors. d’Amato’s supreme performance combines sensuality with emotional complexity and is integral to Not About Me’s success. ”
“Mateo d’Amato gives one of the best performances that I’ve seen in a long time. Why have I not seen or heard of him before?” “Good story told in flashbacks with a really fantastic lead actor. ”
“The dark curly haired, beaming and youthful Mateo d’Amato is terrific in the central role of Marlowe exhibiting tremendous stamina and charm. With his lithe and sculpted physique and expressive voice, Mr. d’Amato conveys the abundant sensuality, sensitivity and cunning the part requires. ”
“Thus, we learn why Marlowe (an accomplished and heartfelt Mateo d’Amato), must fake his death”
“Mateo d’Amato produced and starred in this play as Bara. It’s a juicy role with many different emotions. Mr. D’Amato successfully propelled the story and gave us yet another reason to distrust lawyers and whatever establishment is in power.”