Sopranos fans, mark your calendars for Friday, March 14, 2025, as Joseph Gannascoli, known for his role as Vito Spatafore on the iconic HBO series The Sopranos, is set to host The Sopranos Experience at The Studio at Mizner Park in Boca Raton, Florida. This event promises to be not just another fan meet-and-greet, but rather an immersive night filled with untold stories, trivia, audience Q&A sessions, and surprise appearances from other beloved characters from the series.
Gannascoli, who has personally transformed his life through fitness—losing 100 pounds through his passion for pickleball—brings his unique experiences as both actor and chef to the stage. Having been heavily involved in the culinary scene, including cooking for celebrity chefs like Bobby Flay and Gordon Ramsay, Gannascoli pushes the boundaries of what fan experiences can be by integrating elements of his cooking background and mob nostalgia.
The Sopranos, which aired from January 10, 1999, to June 10, 2007, traversed six gripping seasons and 86 episodes, captivating audiences with tales of organized crime mixed with deep emotional undercurrents. Following Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), the show explored themes of identity and moral clash, culminating in unforgettable moments like the chilling fate of Gannascoli's character, Vito. Gannascoli notes, “I always thought I’d like to turn this trivia night idea I had, which was once more of a bar game, and evolve it. I have loads of stories.”
The Sopranos Experience is positioned as more than just entertainment but as a valuable homage to the generational influence of the series. By engaging fans with real anecdotes and behind-the-scenes glimpses, the evening at Mizner Park is set to become one of the highlights of the local community event calendar. Tickets for this memorable night will start at $47.25.
Up north, other Sopranos stars are also celebrating the 25th anniversary with special events. Michael Imperioli (Christopher Moltisanti), Steve Schirripa (Bobby Bacala), and Vincent Pastore (Big Pussy) are hosting their own show called Conversations with Sopranos Live, slated for April 5, 2025, at the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater in Peekskill, New York. The venue, which originally opened as a cinema, has transformed over the years to the cultural centerpiece it is today. This show too is geared to entertain fans of the series with comedy and interactive discussion opportunities.
Gannascoli reflects on his character’s arc, mentioning the pivotal moments during the series where Spatafore’s life and the stigma of his sexual orientation were laid bare, causing ripples throughout the show’s universe. His insight is particularly compelling as it links to the broader conversations on topics of sexual identity within the often stereotypical portrayal of mob culture.
“It was all about showing there’s more to these characters than meets the eye. I mean, they’re gangsters, but they’re also regular people with families and struggles,” says Gannascoli, marking the deep transformational role of healthcare as pivotal as the mob actions dealt with throughout the series.
Beyond the stage, Gannascoli remains grounded, balancing his relationships with his friends and family, reflecting on their inspirations during his cooking and acting careers. “I have so many friends from my culinary years; my best years have been spent learning from them,” Gannascoli states.
Date and time for The Sopranos Experience are set at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening one hour earlier. The event is not just targeted toward die-hard Sopranos fans but is open to anyone interested, creating a space where community, nostalgia, and entertainment converge.
“For me, it’s always been about creating memorable experiences. Whether it's through cooking or performing, I want people to walk away with stories they can tell,” Gannascoli emphasizes.
Tickets for The Sopranos Experience can be reserved online at The Studio at Mizner Park or by calling their box office. For those unable to attend Gannascoli's event, the Conversations with Sopranos Live show provides an additional opportunity to engage with fan-favorite actors and relive the moments from one of the most talked-about series of its time.
The Sopranos has left behind an indelible legacy, shaping television narratives and influencing the portrayal of complex characters on screen. With events like these continuing to emerge, it’s clear the fascination with Tony Soprano’s world endures, strong as ever, thirty years later.