Chazz Palminteri's A BRONX TALE Makes Its Debut At Hennepin's State Theatre 6/2

A Bronx Tale, the funny and touching memoir written by and starring Academy Award-nominated actor Chazz Palminteri, will debut in Minneapolis at Hennepin Theatre Trust's State Theatre June 2-7, 2009. Directed by four-time Tony Award winner Jerry Zaks (Lend Me a Tenor, The House of Blue Leaves and Six Degrees of Separation), this celebrated play based on the acclaimed movie inspired by Palminteri's life vividly depicts a boy's rough childhood in 1960s-era Bronx and the memorable people encountered. Individual tickets are on sale now. A Bronx Tale is presented by Hennepin Theatre Trust as a special addition to its 2008-09 M&I Bank Broadway Across America-Minneapolis season. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit our website at HennepinTheatreTrust.org or call 1-800-982-2787.

In this classic coming-of-age story about reaching true potential and trusting your heart, Palminteri returns to the stage in a one-man, unforgettable performance from a successful 2007-08 run on Broadway, where it was praised by the critics and adored by the public. The Associated Press described A Bronx Tale as "enormously entertaining. A vibrant, warmhearted saga. Palminteri conjures up a parade of appealing characters with humor, great affection and more than a little heartbreak."

A Bronx Tale was first mounted Off-Broadway in 1989 and helped establish Palminteri as a writer and actor with a distinct voice. In A Bronx Tale, Palminteri brings 18 characters to vivid life, depicting a rough childhood on Bronx streets populated by a cast of friends and enemies. This production of A Bronx Tale directed by Jerry Zaks opened on Broadway at the Walter Kerr Theatre, quickly becoming one of the few bona fide hits of the 2007-2008 Broadway season.

During the original Off-Broadway and subsequent Los Angeles engagements of A Bronx Tale, Palminteri caught the attention of studios, producers and directors-all of whom wanted to make the film version without him. He turned down a million dollar offer for the film rights, despite having $200 in his bank account at the time. Then, Robert DeNiro came to see the show and brought the story and star Palminteri to the screen in 1993, making his directorial debut in the process.

Chazz Palminteri has over 50 movies to his credit including "The Usual Suspects," "Bullets over Broadway," "Analyze This," "Hurly Burly," "Mulholland Falls" and "A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints." He has also directed the HBO series "Oz" (episode, "Unnatural Disasters"), Showtime's "Women vs. Men," and the feature film "Noel," starring Susan Sarandon, Penelope Cruz, Robin Williams and Paul Walker. He was also seen on the New York stage in the play The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui starring with Al Pacino, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi and Billy Crudup.

A Bronx Tale is produced by Go Productions. Set design is by James Noone, lighting design is by Paul Gallo and original music and sound design is by John Gromada. Palminteri's wardrobe is supplied by Italian menswear designer ISAIA. For more information on A Bronx Tale, visit www.ABronxTaleTour.com.

Individual tickets for A Bronx Tale are on sale now and range in price from $24-$57, subject to change. Tickets may be purchased in person at the State Theatre Box Office (805 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, 55402), online at HennepinTheatreTrust.org or through Ticketmaster by calling 1-800-982-2787 or visiting a Ticketmaster Ticket Center. All prices include applicable facility fees and depend on performance time and seating preference. Additional charges may apply. Groups of 10 or more are eligible for discounts and should call 612-373-5665 for information and reservations.

Performance dates for A Bronx Tale are Tuesday, June 2 through Sunday, June 7, 2009 at the State Theatre, 805 Hennepin Ave, Mpls., 55402.
Show times are:

Tuesday, June 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, June 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, June 4 at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, June 5 at 8 p.m.

Saturday, June 6 at 2 and 8 p.m.

Sunday, June 7 at 1 and 6:30 p.m.

A Bronx Tale contains strong language and mature themes. Recommended for ages 13 and up.

HENNEPIN THEATRE TRUST, owner of the historic State, Orpheum and Pantages Theatres, is a non-profit organization devoted to enriching the vibrant cultural atmosphere of the Twin Cities. The Trust's programs include Broadway touring productions, the Literary Legends Writer's Series, the SpotLight Musical Theatre Program for high schools, Critical View student reviewer program, Teen Ushers, the Access Program and Kids' Night. For more information, visit HennepinTheatreTrust.org.

Broadway Across America Owned and operated by British theatre producer John Gore (CEO) and entertainment industry veteran Thomas B. McGrath (Chairman), Broadway Across America presents first-class touring Broadway musicals and plays, family productions and other live events throughout a network of 43 North American cities. Broadway Across America is also dedicated to the development and production of new and diverse live theatre for productions on Broadway, across America and throughout the world. Broadway Across America most recently produced Irving Berlin's White Christmas on Broadway, while current and upcoming productions include West Side Story, Blithe Spirit, Minsky's and the DeafWest production of Pippin. Broadway tours include Dora the Explorer, Frost/Nixon, Spamalot, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Fiddler on the Roof. For more information or to purchase tickets through an authorized agent go to BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com.

 

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