VERO BEACH — Little did Mario Puzo know when he first penned The Godfather trilogy over 43 years ago that his novels would sell over 21 million copies and the subsequent movies would become some of the greatest in American cinema.
Fast forward to 2012. It’s 40 years after the release of the movie, and Justice Ray, along with the Italian American Civic Association, is bringing the community an offer that we can’t refuse.
An evening that celebrates the multi-generational eras that were woven together to tell the story of the Corleone family; “The Godfather’s Entertainment Extravaganza.”
Slated for August 25 at 6 p.m., the association’s clubhouse, located at 1600 25th St. in Vero Beach, will be transformed into a venue featuring all things Italian in terms of music, comedy, dancing, and a very special intimate conversation with one of the movie’s original cast members, John Martino, who portrayed the memorable character “Paulie Gatto.”
Doors open at 6 p.m. for the preview cocktail party, followed by a full line-up of entertainment that will kick off with Martino sharing his memoirs from a career in the spotlight and taking questions from the audience.
Next, the stand-up comedy genius of Nick Pupo and Carmen Vallone will tickle guests’ funny bones. Last, but by no means least, rising star Michael Risco will perform musical numbers from the songbooks of Frank Sinatra and other Italian greats.
Later in the evening, guests can dance the night away to the sounds of D. J. Edmund Nalzaro.
Admission is $15 for members and $20 for nonmembers. Tickets are available at the door, in advance at the Italian American Civic Association, or by calling (772) 778-1522.
All food and beverage purchases will benefit the Italian American Civic Association, which is a non-profit organization. Early sales are encouraged as seating is limited.
About the Entertainers:
In 1958, Johnny Martino had a hit song called “Baby Sitting Baby” that landed him on American Bandstand. Shortly thereafter, he landed a role in The Wild Wild West and became a member of The Screen Actors Guild.
John has had many acting roles, but his big break was when he landed the role of Paulie Gatto in Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather. Johnny’s career has brought him back and forth between New York and California, and he now lives in Central Florida with his wife, Lori, and their two sons, John and Joseph.
In 2006, Johnny won a Crystal Reel Award for “best lead actor” for his part in the feature film Confessions of a Thug. Author Richard Lester recently released a book about his life, “A Wish Beyond The Stars, The Johnny Martino Story,” which was released in early 2012.
A documentary film based on the book is in production by Director Gary Lester, to be released later this year.
Nick Pupo wants to get by in life doing the thing that he loves most: being funny. Growing up as a chubby Italian boy named “Pupo,” it seemed obvious that a career in comedy was his calling.
At 20 years old, Nick decided to write a comedy act and try it at a local open-mic night. Even with the few laughs he got, Nick was immediately obsessed and began performing every night.
His comedy reflects the absurd lifestyle of men and women in their early twenties, the fallbacks and benefits that come with having ADD, and the frustration of knowing that you’re only human.
With his enthusiastic smile and happily twisted vision of everyday life, Carmen Vallone talks about being from upstate New York, living in Florida, and what life is like on the road.
Never one to “attack” the audience, Carmen makes you feel right at home. In his seven years of comedy, he’s been in so many places and performed in so many stages that you might think he’s been doing comedy for eight years.
He has been nightclubbing with Bob Saget, drank champagne with Joan Rivers, and went to a barbeque with Jim Carrey. You might have seen him on NBC’s Last Comic Standing, CBS’s Comedy Night School, or in Jamie Kennedy’s movie Heckler.
In addition to being a hilarious stand-up comedian, he is also the host and producer of A Joke Off, a nationally touring comedy competition that is currently in development for national television.
Michael Risco was born and raised on the Treasure Coast and always knew he wanted to entertain. Just shy of 19, he has performed in live theatre, sung with touring groups, and is an accomplished actor, singer, and dancer.
Although the Treasure Coast will always be home to Michael, he now spends his time between L.A. and here.