May 18, 2024 | Lancaster PA
My Bronx Tale!
Meeting Chazz Palminteri: A Long Drive, A Short Moment, A Lifetime Memory
On May 18, 2024, I checked something big off my bucket list—I finally met Chazz Palminteri. Yes, the Chazz Palminteri. Actor. Writer. Legend. And the creative genius behind A Bronx Tale. The road to this moment? Long. Literally.
I made the 8-hour drive to Lancaster, PA, for his one-man play A Bronx Tale. You might wonder, why go that far? Especially since I had already seen the play in Cincinnati last year.
Well… let me take you back.
When I saw the show in Cincinnati, it blew me away. Chazz’s storytelling, passion, and performance were all amazing. But after the curtain dropped, I found out—too late—that there was a meet & greet. I was crushed. I couldn’t believe I missed my chance to meet someone whose work I’ve admired for so long. And ever since, I kept my eyes peeled, hoping for another opportunity.
Then Lancaster, PA, popped up. It wasn’t around the corner, but I didn’t care. I was ready—and this time, I wasn’t missing anything.
The play? Still phenomenal the second time around. The audience was locked in, the energy was strong, and Chazz held us in the palm of his hand like only he can. But the real moment came after the show.
A small group of us who had the meet & greet waited anxiously. When my turn came, I won’t lie—I was nervous, excited, and trying not to forget everything I wanted to say. Also: he’s tall! Like, 6’3” tall.
I told him straight up: his film is one of my all-time favorites. The play is amazing. And that I missed meeting him in Cincinnati and came all this way just to get the chance. His reaction? Pure gold.
“You drove all this way to see me?” he asked, clearly surprised.
“Yep,” I said. “How could I not?”
He smiled and said, “Wow, I’m glad you made it and it’s so good to meet you.” Then he said “Wow” again. That genuine moment made the entire trip worth it.
We took a quick photo together, shared a few more words, and just like that—it was over. Six minutes, give or take. But those six minutes? Totally worth the drive, the wait, and the anticipation.
It’s one thing to admire someone from a distance. It’s another to stand in front of them and let them know, from your heart, what their work has meant to you. And I’m so glad I got the chance. “A Bronx Tale” was also a favorite of my dad’s, who admired Chazz’s work as well…so I guess you could say, this trip was for me AND daddy!
Moral of the story: If something matters to you—go the distance. Even if it’s eight hours away. You might just come back with a memory that lasts forever.
