My great-grandfather traveled from Italy and landed on Ellis
Island in the late 1800's. Although small in stature, he had an
enormous heart, not to mention extreme courage of conviction.
Although unable to read or write in English, he provided a life
for his family filled with new opportunities that America
granted. Through the generations, increasing degrees of education
were achieved and more doors were unlocked for my family. I
remember how the warm Italian family spirit filled our home with
love. I recall the rhythm of laughter and the melody of both
young and old, singing together in the basement. Those sounds
became the soundtrack of my childhood memories and inspired my
Broadway career. I still recall the music of tradition, the music
of family, the music of home. I have committed it all to heart.