Naples – Amid the vibrant voices of Foria and the immortal echo of the "Prince of Laughter," the Teatro Totò prepares to blow out its first thirty candles, presenting a 2025/2026 theater season that promises to thrill, inspire, and, of course, entertain.
With a history built on passion, sacrifice, and inspired intuition, this cultural space has established itself as one of the city's most vibrant theaters, capable of blending its popular soul with the latest trends in contemporary theater.
The upcoming season unfolds as an ideal bridge between past and present, tradition and innovation. A principle echoed with emotion and awareness by Gaetano Liguori, the theater's founder and artistic director.
"Over these thirty years, we've followed a path that hasn't always been simple, but it's been consistent," Liguori said. "We've chosen not to chase easy popularity, but to build a space for encounter and growth, open to those who truly have something to say."
The choice of quality and the forge of talents
Liguori has always preferred "to give voice to young authors, to new faces on the comedy and drama scene, so that our theater can live on through the generations." This philosophy distances itself from the pursuit of "sure-fire success for 'easy' names from the box office queue," aiming instead for a "popular and authentic" offering.
The result? "Alongside established names, we find ourselves discovering new talents that audiences will learn to love."
This commitment is also supported by the "Totò" Acting Academy, a veritable hotbed of new talent. Since 2023, the Academy has expanded with the opening of a second, one-hundred-seat theater space, which will be named after Salvatore Liguori, "a generous and prematurely departed soul of the school, as well as a precious and unforgettable figure in the formative spirit of the theater."
There is no shortage of anecdotes that tell the history of the theater, such as the meeting back in 2002 with a very young Alessandro Siani, who made his debut at the Totò with the show “Fiesta”.
A common thread that continues today: “After so many years, it was him who pointed me to another promising young actor: Antonio Orefice, who, after 'Mare Fuori' and his participation in Gianluca Ansanelli's 'Benvenuti in Casa Esposito', will be appearing in 'Piano Piano', directed by Gennaro Scarpato,” said Liguori.
A rich lineup: from big names to new comedies
With the operational and creative support of Davide Ferri and Enzo Liguori, the 2025/2026 program promises to be vibrant, focusing on the quality and human value of the stage. A season designed for a wide range of audiences, offered at affordable prices and packed with unmissable events:
October 24, 2025 : we start with “Nati 80” by Claudio Tortora, with Gianni Ferreri and Daniela Morozzi, directed by Antonello Ronga.
Oscar Di Maio in “È asciuto pazzo 'o parrucchiano,” a timeless classic of Neapolitan comedy.
Original creations by Totò: “Tutto in una notte” with Davide Ferri, Peppe Laurato and Edoardo Guadagno with the “Compagnia Stabile del Totò”, and the Christmas show “Tombolata Show” with Emilio Massa.
The focus on young people is renewed with “Piano piano,” starring Antonio Orefice and directed by Gennaro Scarpato.
Giacomo Rizzo wrote and directed “Two Hearts…and a Hut,” a humorous yet melancholic reflection on feelings.
The Ferri–Laurato–Guadagno trio with the “Compagnia Stabile del Totò” also returns with the new comedies “Porno subito” and “Patrimonio all'italiana,” both directed by Gaetano Liguori.
Great anticipation for “Vico Sirene” starring Gigi and Ross, written and directed by Fortunato Calvino.
And also: “The Neighbor's Stork” with Ciro Esposito and Rosario Minervini, and “Make a Friend,” written and performed by Marco Lanzuise and Salvatore Turco.
Ciro Ceruti will present his “The New Poor”.
Among the shows offered free of charge to season ticket holders are “Giornalisti quasi disoccupati” by Ettore Massa and Massimo Carrino, directed by Lucio Pierri, and “Mia cara città” with the singer and actress Francesca Marini.
Two special events with a single date are available as an option for subscribers:
December 9, 2025: “Welcome to the Esposito House” with Giovanni Esposito and Nunzia Schiano, based on the famous comedy written by Siani, Caiazzo, and Imperatore.
March 18, 2026: "Good Evening Everyone," Peppe Barra's confessional show directed by Francesco Esposito.
Between tradition and renewal, the Teatro Totò continues its journey as an open home of Neapolitan theater, welcoming and lively, where people laugh and grow, and where, once again, the curtain never truly falls.
With tickets and season tickets accessible to all and a consistently warm atmosphere, Totò doesn't just offer performances, it continues to preserve and transmit an ever-evolving cultural identity. A theater for everyone, where every laugh can also be a spark of reflection and every emotion a small act of love for the art of the stage.
The article discusses the new season at the Teatro Totò, but I wonder if it's really possible to combine tradition and innovation. I hope new talents can keep the spirit of Neapolitan theater alive.
Yes, it's important not to forget the past while trying to move forward. However, it's difficult to see how these young players can compete with the big names we already know.
The Totò Theater has a long history, and that's a positive thing, but I hope it doesn't become too commercial. Quality must always be the priority to attract a diverse audience.