Geno’s Steaks’ English controversy dramatized in “Down Past Passyunk”
Written by Albert Hong, Posted in Arts & Entertainment, Food, Theater
In 2006, Geno’s Steaks gained national attention with its controversial sign that read, “This is America: When Ordering ‘Speak English.’” Some Philadelphians and tourists hailed the sign as discriminatory, but former owner, Joey Vento defended it. Ultimately, the Commission on Human Rights deemed the sign as being acceptable.
This controversy has been translated into a play from InterAct Theatre Company and debuted at the Adrienne theatre earlier this month. Written by A. Zell Williams and directed by Matt Pfeiffer, the show will be having its last few performances every day till Sun, April 27. Tickets purchased interacttheatre.org.
