For more than 45 years, actor and singer Tony Danza has been one of the world’s most beloved entertainers. Whether it’s his celebrated performances on shows like “Taxi” and “Who’s The Boss,” his extensive movie and Broadway credits, or even rubbing elbows with the likes of legends like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and songwriter Sammy Cahn, Danza has firmly established himself as a multi-generational icon.
But for all you know about Tony Danza, one of the things you might not know is that prior to becoming an actor, Danza envisioned himself as a teacher, even earning a bachelor’s degree in education. Before finding a job teaching, he made a living as a professional boxer until fate stepped in and took his life in a whole new direction.
This is a small example of the stories fans can expect to hear on Friday, when Tony Danza brings his acclaimed “Standards &Stories,” to the Musikfest Café in Bethlehem.
The show combines Danza’s love of performing the timeless music from the Great American Songbook while interweaving stories from his personal and professional life. Who knows, there may even be a dash of soft shoe dancing and ukulele performances as well.
I recently spoke with Danza about his show and more in this exclusive new interview.
Q: How did the idea to do a show called “Standards & Stories” come about?
Tony Danza: Back in 1993 I hit a tree while skiing and almost killed myself. When I came back from it I said to myself, “I’m getting a second chance. What haven’t I done yet?” By then I had already been tap dancing for about 10 years and realized what I wanted to do was be a song and dance man. So I called up my agent and said I wanted to try it and wrote it up. It’s called “Standards & Stories,” which is pretty self-explanatory. It’s some of the greatest songs ever written played by a four-piece band led by Joe Davidian that will knock your socks off. Then I tell my stories: some professional, some personal, and a story about my mother that I’m very excited to tell. I try to make a connection with the audience and have them relate to the songs. People really seem to enjoy it and we have a great time playing it.
You can read the rest of my Morning Call interview with Tony Danza by clicking here.