“Bonanno’s comic timing is flawless.”
“David Bonanno’s strong and lively performance was inspired.”
bio
David Bonanno is a versatile actor who has appeared on Broadway and at regional theatres across the country. He moves easily from classic drama (Dancing at Lughnasa, Mill on the Floss, Arms and the Man, The Heiress), to broad musical comedy (Pseudolus in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Billis in South Pacific, Nathan in Guys and Dolls), and contemporary musical theatre (The Light in the Piazza, Ragtime, Floyd Collins).
Bonanno grew up on a farm in Methuen, Massachusetts. He studied theatre and philosophy at Villanova University, with postgrad studies at the Guildford School of Acting and Dance in Surrey, England. He also attended the prestigious National Theatre Institute at the Eugene O’Neill Center where he studied with the famed Morris Carnovsky. Bonanno spent ten years living and working in Chicago, where he frequently performed at the Goodman Theatre, Drury Lane, Apple Tree Theatre as well as in national companies of Ragtime, directed by Frank Galati, and Lend Me a Tenor (appearing alongside John Astin, Jamie Farr, and Mickey Rooney over his year-long run with the production.)
In New York, Bonanno has appeared in several new musicals as part of the New York Musical Theatre Festival, the premiere of The Joys of Sex, and was in the original Broadway cast of The Light in the Piazza at Lincoln Center with Kelli O’Hara and Matthew Morrison.
Regional theatre credits include work at the Goodman Theatre, Milwaukee Repertory, Indiana Repertory, Wisdom Bridge Theatre, Drury Lane Theatre Oakbrook, Delaware Theatre Company, Westport Country Playhouse, Luna Stage Company, Shaker Bridge Theatre, and Northern Stage. He also appeared in the national tour of I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.
Over the past 30 years, he has performed in over 45 productions at the Weston Theater Company in Vermont, including the development and premiere of the chamber-musical version of The Light in the Piazza with composer Adam Guettel, and Death of a Salesman with Christopher Lloyd. He has also written and directed many of Weston's late-night comedy cabarets.
Most recently, Bonanno performed the role of The Poet in AN ILIAD at the Weston Theater Company. He received rave reviews for his performance and reprised the role this Spring at Shaker Bridge Theatre, directed by Susan Haefner.
An Iliad
with Yan Li
“Houdini is much more closely linked to the rest of the show in Chicago, thanks to a refreshingly less mannered performance from David Bonanno.”
“Bonanno played with great charm and has lost none of his sparkle...”
NEWS
June 28th - July 16th, 2023
David stars as HiPockets Duncan/Norman Petty in BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY at Weston Theater Company, directed by Meredith McDonough.
Rock out with the one and only Buddy Holly! Transport yourself back to the 1950s with this show telling the story of Holly’s rise to fame, his struggles with the music industry, and his enduring legacy as one of the pioneers of rock and roll. This high-energy must-see show features all of Holly’s hits, including “Peggy Sue,” “That’ll Be the Day, and “Everyday.” It’s a heartwarming and inspiring tale that will have you leaving the theater with a smile on your face and a spring in your step.
For more information and tickets click here.
July 2022
David stars with Margo Siebert in MARRY ME A LITTLE at Weston Theater Company, directed by Michael Berresse.
“Bonanno and Seibert are excellent at interpreting [Sondheim’s'] work.- Chester Telegraph Review
“Bonanno has an expertise and refinement honed from years on the stage.” - Times Argus Review
April 2022
David stars in AN ILIAD at Shaker Bridge Theatre, directed by Susan Haefner.
Read the review here.
July 2021
David stars in AN ILIAD at The Weston Theater Company, directed by Meredith McDonough.
“Bonanno is magnificent in the role of a lifetime…He gives the audience freedom to laugh, and reasons to ache…his stunning performance never says, "Look at me." It extends an offer: "Feel with me." - Seven Days VT
June 2019
David plays Hucklebee in The Fantasticks at The Weston Theater Company, directed by Susanna Gellert.
“Bonanno and Pretlow play the fathers. They let the struggles of fatherhood cloud their tired faces, but then they kick up their heels and dance in exuberant duets. Both their funny feud and their warm friendship are truly adorable.” - Seven Days VT
February 2019
David performs the role of Rick in Dry Powder at Shaker Bridge Theatre.
“Bonanno has the right edge of anxiety, impatience and gnawing fear as Rick realizes everything can come tumbling down.” - Valley News
July 2018
David stars as Bruce in FUN HOME at The Weston Theater Company.
"Bonanno boldly reveals his vulnerability in a song that left last Friday's audience in rapt silence." - Seven Days VT
"This is a voyage around her father Bruce, played by David Bonanno in one of his best performances." - Chester Telegraph
"Bonnano almost seems to be living Bruce rather than playing him." - Berkshire Bright Focus
"David Bonanno delivered a powerful and heart-wrenching performance." - Rutland Herald
November 2017
David is interviewed on the comedy podcast SURVIVAL OF THE WITTIEST. Listen to the episode here.
October 2016
David performs THE MYSTERY OF LOVE AND SEX at Shaker Bridge Theatre.
Read the review here.
August 2016
David stars as Sam in MAMMA MIA at the Weston Theater Company.
Read the review here.
June 2016
David produces, writes and hosts the Weston Theater Company’s 80th BIRTHDAY BASH - an Alumni celebration of Vermont's oldest professional theatre.
Watch the performance here.
April 2016
David performs in the 10th Anniversary Reunion Concert of LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA at Lincoln Center.
Read the review here.
July 2015
David reprises his role as Ian in THE OTHER PLACE at the Weston Theater Company.
Read the Broadway World press release here.
“Bonanno exudes the star quality of a stage natural.”
“Bonanno possesses a beautiful piercing tenor voice that lends a sense of angst and passion.”