The curtain call at Saturday night's premiere of "A Bronx Tale" at the John W. Engeman Theater in Northport ran a little longer than expected when a surprise guest took the stage.
Chazz Palminteri, who wrote the book for the musical, stepped out of the audience to join the cast on stage when the show ended. “It is really amazing what this theater did here with the space they have, with the set, it’s just outstanding. I am amazed by it, and my hat goes off to all of you — the incredible cast and all the people here at this incredible theater,” said Palminteri, who attended the performance with his wife, Gianna.
"To be able to celebrate our production with the man who created this brilliant story was a moment that none of us will ever forget," said Richard Dolce, one of the owners of the Engeman.
Dolce, co-owner Kevin O'Neill and one cast member who is a friend of Palminteri's were the only ones who knew beforehand that the actor would be at the show.
Palminteri, 69, also penned the screenplay for the 1993 movie that inspired the musical, and he portrayed the mob boss who is idolized by a young Bronx boy in the 1960s-set screen drama. The musical enjoyed a successful Broadway run from December 2016 through August 2018.
Chazz Palminteri congratulated the cast during Saturday's curtain call for "A Bronx Tale” at the John W. Engeman Theater in Northport.