Interview: A BRONX TALE: THE MUSICAL Cast Members Joey Sorge and Vincenzo Faruolo

Paper Mill Playhouse is presenting A Bronx Tale: The Musical through March 6th. The World Premiere musical has a book by Chazz Palminteri based on his young life. Palminteri has performed A Bronx Tale as one-man show and also wrote the screenplay for the 1993 film adaptation in which he co-starred with Robert DeNiro. The original music is by Alan Menken with lyrics by Glenn Slater and the production is choreographed by Sergio Trujillo. The show is co-directed by Jerry Zaks and Robert DeNiro.

Broadwayworld.com spoke with two New Jersey residents who are cast members of A Bronx Tale: The Musical, Joey Sorge and Vincent Faruolo.

Joey Sorge plays "Rudy the Voice." Sorge is not new to the Paper Mill stage. He also appeared as Fonzie in the Playhouse's production of Happy Days and as Vince Fontaine in their show, Grease. Sorge has appeared on Broadway in Follies, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and others. He has an impressive array of Off-Broadway, regional theatre, television and film credits. A resident of Bloomfield, Sorge told us that he likes working only 20 minutes from home. "Paper Mill is a top-notch theatre." He had high praise for the cast and creative calling them a "dream team." Sorge also talked to us a little about the show. "It started as a theatre piece, a real true story that resonates with all types of people. To see it musicalized takes it to another level." Sorge told us that the A Bronx Tale has very special meaning. "The show is very personal to me because my wife is African-American. It's nice to see how far we've come in our thinking as bi-racial families are much more common than they once were. I believe this show speaks to everyone and it's exciting to be a part of the World Premiere." We asked Sorge about his plans for the future. He told us that he has a lot of television and film planned. He would like to build on his Broadway career and carry a show someday. To learn more about Joey Sorge, visit his website at www.joeysorge.com.

Vincenzo Faruolo of Toms River is the understudy for the role of Young Cologero. He recently appeared in Paper Mill Playhouse's production of A Christmas Story: The Musical. Currently a 6th grader he said that he loves to sing and dance and his favorite style of dance is tap. He has long been interested in the theatre. "I have been interested in acting since I was a toddler." We asked him a little about his performing career. "My first show was in a community theatre. Acting was suggested to me by John Tartaglia." Faruolo told us about one of his special talents. "I am also a puppeteer. Some of my favorite shows are Sesame Street and The Muppets." His own favorite puppet is "Vinnie the Puppet," a gift from his mother and godmother that was made to look like him. We asked Faroulo about his plans for the future. "After this show, I'd love to be on Broadway. And one day, I'd like to make my way to Sesame Street too."

A Bronx Tale: The Musical will be performed at Paper Mill Playhouse eight times a week, Wednesday through Sunday. Tickets are on sale starting at $32. They may be purchased by calling 973.376.4343 at the Paper Mill Playhouse Box Office at 22 Brookside Drive in Millburn or online at www.PaperMill.org. Groups of 10 or more can receive up to a 40% discount on tickets and should call 973.315.1680. College students may order $20 rush tickets over the phone or in person at the Paper Mill Playhouse Box Office on the day of the performance.

Photos courtesy of Paper Mill Playhouse.

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