4 'Sopranos' cast members to appear at Bellmore event

Members of the "The Sopranos" crew are moving in on Bellmore. Actors Robert Funaro (Eugene Pontecorvo), Dan Grimaldi (Patsy and Philly Parisi), Jason Cerbone (Jackie Aprile Jr.) and Matt Servitto (Agent Dwight Harris), from the award-winning HBO series, will appear in person at "A Night with the Cast of the Sopranos,” an interactive show coming to Bellmore Movies and Showplace on April 18. The event is back by popular demand after a sold-out show in November.

“ ‘The Sopranos’ had a great impact because it hit every demographic,” said JD Sarantakos, the event's co-producer. “The audience remains intrigued, which is why it is still running on HBO today. The popularity is crazy.”

HOW IT WORKS

Key scenes from the series featuring each actor's character are set to be shown. Funaro, Grimaldi, Cerbone and Servitto will discuss their experiences based on the clips. Servitto is serving as the host, asking the cast questions, then the floor is opened for a Q&A session.

“There will be two lines with a microphone set up right before the stage. Anybody in the audience can ask a direct question to the cast,” said Sarantakos, who co-hosts the Q&A section. “This is a totally immersive experience. We don’t leave until the last question is answered.”

Additionally, there will be a mystery guest from the cast who will appear during the show.

GO VIP

The event offers a VIP experience where participants can arrive an hour before the general public and be escorted onto the stage in groups of 10 to meet and greet the actors. Each person will receive an 8x10 glossy photo to be signed and have an opportunity to take a picture with the cast. Additionally, VIPs get to sit in the theater's front rows during the show and are tipped off as to who the mystery guest will be before the rest of the audience finds out.

Yonkers-born Cerbone is excited about returning to Long Island after his last appearance in November.

“I’m so happy to be coming back to Bellmore Movies and Showplace,” he said. “We had so much fun last time, not only telling stories from our experiences behind the scenes of ‘The Sopranos,’ but having the chance to interact with true fans of the show. Looking forward to meeting even more of you that are taking the opportunity to visit this great venue and hang out with us for the night."

By David J. Criblez

david.criblez@newsday.comDavidJCriblez

David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.