The Tale of Nicky Newark

In David LaRosa’s The Tale of Nicky Newark, he stars as Bobby Cannonnolli, a disillusioned, gritty New Jersey parole officer trapped in a joyless life, perhaps in a midlife crisis, who secretly takes acting classes during work hours. When a chance meeting with Claire (Kelly Stables), who is also acting and taking film classes, sparks new hope, he must choose between familiar misery and the vulnerability that comes with a second chance. From early childhood, Nicky Newark has told him he’ll be an actor after a chance meeting. Never giving up the dream, Bobby pursued acting.

Bobby’s marriage and home life appear drawn out and suffering because his wife, Danielle (Janine Laino), is caring for her brother, Donnie (Mason Walker), who was in an accident. A typecast Jersey wife with an accent and all, Danielle pushes Bobby away and also distances herself from their daughter, Angie (Chloe Merwede). Bobby adores his daughter and tries to be a father, while her mother, Danielle, gives her attention elsewhere and regularly fights with Bobby, upsetting Angie.

Yet it’s not just Bobby’s home life that is suffering. He is constantly berated by coworkers, including Officer Johnnie Spiers, played by Frank Whaley, known for his roles in Pulp Fiction, The Doors, Swimming with Sharks, Born on the Fourth of July, and Broken Arrow. Whaley shows his acting chops and never loses a beat throughout the film. Bobby is also a problem for his boss, Connie (Kate A. McGrath), who is tired of covering for him, even though she likes him best in the office and has her own battles to fight.

Claire (Kelly Stables) gives a knowing sideways look during acting class in The Tale of Nicky Newark.

“When a chance meeting with Claire…sparks new hope, he must choose between familiar misery and the vulnerability that comes with a second chance.”

Bobby ends up in a class led by Reginald Van Meister (Sean Patrick Flanery), a very showy master thespian, where he meets Claire and forms a friendship he needs. Only his sinister co-workers follow him, exposing him to Connie and his wife. Things don’t end so well for Bobby, but he does face his demons.

With an appealing ensemble cast, The Tale of Nicky Newark offers many comedic moments and authentic New Jersey style, accents, and street culture, especially through the life of a Newark parole officer. Yet it’s sad. Bobby is trapped in a life where he cares deeply for his daughter but doesn’t understand his relationship with his wife or her caregiving, which is brutal and unappealing.

A bit long in many places, but with strong camera work, an interesting New Jersey-esque soundtrack, and a likable cast, The Tale of Nicky Newark tells an unusual story about being cornered in life, with a few dead ends that are hard to navigate. LaRosa holds steady with his deadpan humor and treble sighs, offering insight into life as a Newark parole officer, but resolution in this particular scenario is hard to find, which makes for a tough ending. At times, the story drags, and the exploration of the human condition in the acting showcase feels less believable than you might like, but it is a good parody, and The Tale of Nicky Newark lives on.

For screening information, visit the The Tale of Nicky Newark official website.