By Sheryl Roadcap

[email protected]

TROY — Beloved and legendary actor Tony Danza is coming to Troy this Saturday, Oct. 12, to provide an evening of “throwback” and “timeless” entertainment at The Arbogast Performing Arts Center (APAC).

Danza, and his four-piece band, is set to provide an evening of old-school music, dance and his “signature charm“ to shine through during his live show “Standards & Stories” beginning at 7 p.m.

“(This show) really is kind of a throwback to the shows people used to do. You know how I characterize it? You remember your old TV variety shows, where you had a host and then you would have a lot of acts, right? Well, I am the hosts and all the acts,” Danza said, with a chuckle.

“Known for his signature blend of charm, wit, and showmanship, Danza brings a unique touch to each performance, offering audiences a glimpse into his life and his deep connection to the music he loves. His dynamic show also features a touch of tap dancing, ukulele performances, and a sprinkling of humor, making it a must-see for fans of classic entertainment,” said a press release on his upcoming show.

Danza will share personal stories and also perform his favorite standards from the “Great American Songbook.”

Currently, Danza, whose career spans over 40 years, plays a bad guy, mob boss in Starz’s drama series “Power Book III: Raising Kanan.” The drama is its fifth season now, with the first three seasons able to also be viewed on Prime Video. He is also known for big hit TV series, such as “Taxi” and “Who’s The Boss,” as well as hit films “Angels in the Outfield,” “She’s Out of Control,” and “Don Jon,” or Broadway standout performances in “The Producers,” “A View from the Bridge” and “Honeymoon in Vegas.” On Saturday, Danza will showcase a new side of his entertainment talent for fans.

When asked about his inspiration and desire to write and perform a Frank Sinatra- or “Rat Pack”- style of show, Danza said, “I always was amazed at the guys who could just walk up there and entertain and perform. You know, that just blew my mind. And of course, Sinatra is one of the main guys, of course, but those guys, — (who say) you know, ‘just give me the mic” … And I have just become that, and I mean it, I think it is one of my greatest achievements.”

“The New York Times has hailed Danza as ‘a live wire who tap-dances, plays the ukulele, tells stories and radiates irresistible charm,’ said the press release. “Broadway World applauded his vocals, stating ‘his voice and showmanship is a welcome reminder of why the standards are just that—because they’re timeless.’ Scott Spears, of WWGH Radio said, ‘The man has TRUE stage presence like we don’t see anymore. His singing voice is on par with any of the great performers of yesteryear, or any year. Seeing Tony Danza on stage in your lifetime is a must.’”

When not on the road with his show “Standards & Stories,” Danza, a Brooklyn, New York native, is very busy running a free, teen acting program called “Stars of Tomorrow” for high school students located at high schools in the five boroughs of New York.

“You know what the slogan is? ‘When you teach a kid to act, you teach a kid to act!’” Danza said, noting that he is tying to make a difference by helping young people avoid getting caught up in gun violence. “Gun violence is the leading cause (of death) among teenagers in America. So, that is what time program is — it tries to get them before they pick up the gun. That is what I am working on. … And I am a legitimate 501(c)(3).”

To purchase tickets to “Tony Danza: Stories and Standards,” they can be ordered online at www.etix.com/ticket/v/21323., by calling the APAC Box Office at 937-418-8392 or at the APAC box office in person. Tickets begin at $35. The box office, located at 500 S. Dorset Road, Troy, is open Tuesday-Friday from noon to 4 p.m.