You know him as the gravelly voiced, Italian actor, usually playing an intimidating mobster in films like A Bronx Tale and Bullets over Broadway.  Academy Award nominee, Chazz Palminteri is finally bringing the one-man show that launched his career to Dallas.  Before A Bronx Tale was a big screen success back in 1993, it was a one-man show, written and performed by Chazz himself.  After rejecting many offers to make a film adaptation of the show, it was Robert De Niro that gave him an offer that would change his career forever.  De Niro directed and co-starred in the film with Palminteri.

Originally performed off-Broadway in 1989, Chazz Palminteri has teamed up with Dallas Cowboy Legend, Drew Pearson, to bring A Bronx Tale Show to The AT&T Performing Arts Center.  The one-man show is based on the time Palminteri saw a man get killed right in front of him when he was only nine-years old.  Palminteri plays 18 different characters in the show.

Since the accomplishment from both the show and film version of A Bronx Tale, Chazz Palminteri has gone on to play various mobster roles.  One of which includes an Oscar nomination for his role in Bullets over Broadway.  But no matter what crook he is playing, it’s with style!

In honor of the 20^th anniversary of the film’s adaptation, Palminteri has gone in collaboration with Jay Lombardo (Founder of Lombardo Custom Apparel) to launch “A Bronx Tale Collection” tailored suits.  The fabric of these suits were handpicked and come with Chazz’s classic “Bronx” silhouette and artistry.  The custom collection features hand stitching, Italian red lining, and a personalized label with Chazz Palminteri’s signature.

On Thursday August 8^th, Lombardo Custom Apparel held a launch party for the new collection, and presented Chazz and Jay with the North American Italian Award.   The event was entertained with the music of “America’s Got Talent” finalist, Paul Salos.  If you don’t remember him, he was the singer on the show that sounded very much like Frank Sinatra.  It’s unbelievable.

Eventually, Palminteri allowed for quick interviews with the press.  I have to say, as disturbing as some of his roles can be, Chazz Palmenteri is anything but scary.  He was one of the most down to earth actors I have met, and a truly talented one at that.

INTERVIEW WITH CHAZZ PALMINTERI

What made you finally bring the show to Dallas?

“I just thought hey, I’ve always loved Dallas.  I’ve always read about it.  I said I’m going to try and bring it down to Dallas!  And they called me and said can we do it down here?  And I said absolutely!  It was a hit all over the world, so why not a hit in Dallas?”

Of course, we’re grateful you brought it to Dallas.

“Well thank you so much.”

Can you tell me a little bit about the Bronx Collection?

“If you see some of the movies that I’ve done, Analyze This and A Bronx Tale.  I’ve always worn these incredible suits.  I came down here and met Jay and saw his incredible clothes.  And I thought yeah, I would put my name on that.”

You always mention how Robert De Niro launched your career.  If there is one thing you could say about him, what would it be?

“Well, what I always say about him.  As great as he is as an artist, he’s an even greater man.  He’s a great, great guy.  A really good person and one of my close friends”

A Bronx Tale will run from August 22^nd to 24^th.

For tickets and more information on the show visit http://www.abronxtaleshow.com/WYLY-THEATRE-BOX-OFFICE.htm