In this show, actor Carlo D’Amore plays himself. But mostly, he plays his commanding mother, who dominated Carlo’s childhood.

“You and I will be confidants for life. See? Let’s seal it with a kiss. Now go get Mommy her Valium from the hiding spot.” 

This is no ordinary relationship, because Carlo’s mom also meets the world through multiple identities, most of them bogus.

“(ring) Isabella di Padua. I am an attorney. From the law firm of di Padua and Associates. (ring) Hello? No, there’s no Gabriella here. Well, that’s because I’m here twin sister. (ring) Hello? Yes! This is Gabriella!” 

Basically, she’s a con artist from Peru, drawn to the Land of Opportunity. Little Carlo gradually realizes that his mother’s a liar, even a crook. But she’s still Mom, he loves her. Eventually, however, the scams come home to roost.

“Yes, I swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. She who does not lie is no afraid.” 

Of course, this woman couldn’t tell the truth if her life depended on it. Even so, you can’t help liking her somehow. It’s this weird dodgy duality that gives Carlo D’Amore’s unique female performance a memorable extra special zing.

"No Parole" continues at the Sacramento Theatre Company through November 9th.