By Howard Goldin
Although renowned actor/author Chazz Palminteri lives in upstate New York and works often in Hollywood, the Bronx born star of stage and screen often visits the place of his birth.
One of the strongest connections between Palminteri and the borough is “A Bronx Tale”. The story is autobiographical as it relates events from his early years in the Bronx. The story, written by Palminteri a quarter of a century ago, was transformed into a one-man stage play that he performed off- Broadway and on Broadway two decades later and into a motion picture that starred the author and was directed by Robert De Niro.
Palminteri was born in the Bronx a little more than a half-century ago and spent his childhood in the Belmont section of the borough. He graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School. He is a regular visitor to his birthplace to partake of his favorite delicacies at eateries on Arthur Ave. The devoted and knowledgeable fan of the New York Yankees can also often be found at Yankee Stadium.
The Academy Award nominated actor for his performance in Woody Allen’s “Bullets over Broadway” was in the Bronx twice this week. He came not to see the Yankees, whose season ended in September, but to appear before Bronx audiences.
He will perform his one-man show, “A Bronx Tale” at the Lovinger Theatre on the campus of Lehman College to benefit the Child Reach Foundation. Although, the noted actor has been performing the show in various venues around the nation, this will be his first performance in his home borough.
His home town fans and others have already made the performance a sell-out, but anyone still interested in attending can phone the theater at 1-718-960-8731.
Those unable to obtain tickets to the show can see Palminteri two days later at another Bronx venue. Between 12-3 pm on October 19, Saturday, he will be making a special appearance at the Bronx Museum of Art on 165th Street and the Grand Concourse.
The event entitled “Back in the Bronx” will be the first of a series intended to encourage Bronx natives and former residents to visit the location of their formative years.
In addition to listening to Palminteri’s reminiscences of his years in the Bronx, there will be a slideshow of Bronx scenes presented by Stephen Samtur, the editor of the newsletter “Back in the Bronx”. To add to the festivities of the occasion, lunch will be provided by David Greco’s Caterers. A free shuttle bus will be provided to make the trip to the Museum easier.
For information regarding tickets to the special events, the Museum can be reached at 1-718-618-6000 or at info@bronxmuseum.org. Further information about Palminteri’s life and accomplishments can be found on his website, www.chazzpalminteri.net.
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