Show Synopsis:
An Italian shopkeeper named Renato sells an American tourist named Leona gorgeous red goblets and flirts with her, but Leona is hesitant to go on a date with him because he is married, though Renato cannot get divorced. Another American tourist named Eddie is in love with their host Signora Fioria, even though he is married, so he begins to prepare to leave for America. Renato gives Leona a beautiful necklace but his son Vito reveals that the jeweler wants the money, so Leona gives it to him. Leona learns that Renato gained a commission from the sale and splits up with him because she wants to be loved for more than her money. Leona drunkenly tells Eddie?s husband about his attraction to Signora Fiora, and they leave Italy the next day. Renato?s faith in his family is reaffirmed and he and Leona part as friends.

Character:
Renato Di Rossi, a handsome and good-hearted shopkeeper.

Song Context:
Renato rows Leona back in a gondola after they share a romantic night out, and begs her to stay in Venice instead of returning to America.

Fun Facts:
1) This musical was based on Arthur Laurents?s play The Time of the Cuckoo, which had previously been adapted into the film Summertime starring Katherine Hepburn. 
2) Sergio Franchi originated the role of Renato on Broadway in his Broadway debut. 
3) This musical was conceived solely to make money and is well-known for its disastrous collaboration between three paragons of Broadway theatre: Oscar Hammerstein, Richard Rodgers, and Stephen Sondheim.