![Chazz Palminteri's Hit "A Bronx Tale" Headlines 2015 Algonquin Gala](https://www.newjerseystage.com/events2015/ChazzApril24.jpg "Chazz Palminteri's Hit "A Bronx Tale" Headlines 2015 Algonquin Gala")
(MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Chazz Palminteri's "A Bronx Tale," the Broadway, Las Vegas and nationwide hit, will headline the Algonquin Arts Theatre's annual Gala on June 4, 2015.
The event, officially “A New York City Gala featuring Chazz Palminteri’s A Bronx Tale,” will be a festive evening featuring cocktail hours with subway platform performers, NYC street fare, music and the Broadway production of “A Bronx Tale,” a “raucous, solo tour de force” from Palminteri, who grew up in the Bronx.
This year, the Gala recognizes Humanitarian Honoree Diane Turton, Community Service Honoree Manasquan Savings Bank and Arts Education honoree John Luckenbill.
The largest annual fundraiser for Algonquin Arts Theatre, the annual gala supports the theatre’s main stage and educationally programming that allows it to enrich community life. The event includes a silent auction, multiple live auctions, a super 50/50 raffle and a dine around raffle.
Tickets for the Gala are on sale now ranging in price from $55 to $185. Top level tickets include fine dining at either Blend on Main or Remington’s as well as a post-show reception. To order or for more information call 732-528-9211 or visit algonquinarts.org/gala.
“A Bronx Tale” recounts the coming-of-age story of a young man torn between allegiance to his father’s upright working-class values and the alluring lifestyle of the local mob boss who befriends him. And what’s more is that the writer and star of the show, Chazz Palminteri, pulls off the 18 characters all by himself! He paints the neighborhood’s various colorful multi-layered characters to perfection with impeccable delivery and physicality.
Palminteri first performed “A Bronx Tale” as a one-man show in Los Angeles. It became the hottest property in Hollywood since “ROCKY.” He was offered a selling price of more than a $1 million to walk away from the project. With only $200 left in the bank, he refused. He wanted to play Sonny and write the screenplay. One night Robert DeNiro walked in to see the show and as they say, "the rest is history."
Palminteri then moved the production to New York, where it played for four sold-out months and earned him nominations for the New York Outer Critics Circle for both acting and writing. While in New York he completed the screenplay of “A Bronx Tale” and soon found himself starring opposite Robert DeNiro, who chose the script for his directorial debut. The Hollywood release of the film came in 1993.
In 2007, Palminteri returned the show to stage for a 137-performance run on Broadway and subsequent national tour. Since then, Palminteri continues to take the show around the country for special engagements.
The 2015 Humanitarian Award goes to Diane Turton of Diane Turton, Realtors, for her commitment to the Algonquin and the community as a whole.
Manasquan Savings Bank receives the 2015 Community Service Award for its charitable and service work in the community and for their long history of supporting the theatre. Last fall, the Manasquan Savings Bank Foundation committed $100,000 in funding to the Algonquin across the next four years while signing on as the theatre’s Broadway Series sponsor.
John Luckenbill, who has been teaching instrumental music in Long Branch Public Schools for 35 years, will be presented with the Education Award. He was selected to the NJ Symphony Master Teacher Collaborative, teaches for the Monmouth Conservatory of Music and also serves as a winds and brass coach for the New Jersey State Youth Orchestra.
Sponsorships and journal ads are being sold, and items are also being collected for the live and silent auctions. Call Senior Director of Development Teresa Staub at 732-528-4336 for information on how you can contribute or go online and download a form at algonquinarts.org/gala.
About Algonquin Arts Theatre
Algonquin Arts Theatre (AAT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1992 with the mission to provide cultural enhancement and arts education to all audiences at the Jersey Shore through high-quality performances and programs in theatre, music, film and dance. The end goal is to foster appreciation of the arts and promote lifelong learning, particularly among underserved audiences including the economically disadvantaged, senior citizens and individuals with disabilities.
Algonquin Arts Theatre's programs are made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts / Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts; by funds from the Paul F. Zito, M.D. Educational Foundation, by Simon Kaufman, Esq. & Maria Zito-Kaufman, and by Manasquan Savings Bank.
