Tony Danza Gives Back to Brooklyn Through His Art

December 5, 2016 by
Tony Danza /photo courtesy of Love Productions

Tony Danza /photo courtesy of Love Productions

On November 20, 2016, the Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College welcomed television icon Tony Danza to the stage. Danza, known for his roles on broadcast television sitcoms Taxi and Who’s the Boss, performed his latest project, Standards and Stories.

Standards and Stories was a part of the Brooklyn Center’s 2016-2017 Con Edison Music Masters Series and was a huge success. Danza was honored that Brooklyn natives took the time out to see him perform again in his hometown on a Sunday afternoon.

For 75 minutes, the Brooklyn-born actor, dancer and former boxer performed a selection of his favorite songs from the Great American Songbook  , a collection of American popular songs and jazz standards from the early 20th century ; Danza also performed songs from the Broadway play, Honeymoon in Vegas.

The charming Emmy nominated actor captivated the crowd with his storytelling and jokes before he performed each song. Danza’s repertoire included “Me and My Shadow,” “How About You,” “Angel Eyes,” “You Go To My Head,” “Stars and the Moon,” “Please Be Kind ” and “I Love Betsy,” just to name a few.

Danza talked about his upbringing in Brooklyn, his family and his  work in show business for over 40 years. He said his mother was a huge fan of Frank Sinatra and told him, “The day you meet Frank Sinatra, that’s when you’re a big shot. “ Danza’s mother’s wish came true when Sinatra guest starred on Who’s the Boss.

The audience was also impressed with the 65 year old’s everlasting stage presence as he tap-danced, played the ukulele and sang with passion and excitement. Danza ended his live performance and thanked his fans once again for their ongoing support throughout the years.

Danza’s presence brightened the room which is why he’s a one of a kind Brooklyn native. The Standards and Stories performance was a great way for him to remind his fans that he will continue to use various platforms to highlight his gifts and talents.