The Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center is excited to bring actor and singer Gianni Russo to downtown Clarksburg for a Godfather-themed weekend March 18-19, at the historic Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center located at 444 W. Pike St. in Clarksburg.

 

Gianni Russo has made a career of playing tough guys. Although remembered most for his portrayal of Carlo Rizzi in The Godfather(1972),his first acting job, his career has spanned over 40 films including such hits as The Freshman (1990), Rush Hour 2(2001),Any Given Sunday(1999), and Sea Biscuit(2003), and most recently Send No Flowers(2013), as well as television roles in Kojak(1978), The Rockford Files (1978), and Prison Break(2005).

 

“Gianni Russo was right in the middle of the making of what some consider to be the most important film of all time,” said Jason A Young, the Robinson Grand’s program manager. “Bringing him to downtown Clarksburg for two days gives our patrons an immersive and up-close opportunity to learn all about it.”

 

“A Weekend You Can’t Refuse” begins on Saturday, March 18when Gianni Russo will appear live in concert on the Robinson Grand stage. Russo believes it’s his crooning that separates him from the mob of other on-screen wise guys. His debut album Reflections paid homage to such legendary singers as Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. These icons have inspired him both personally and professionally. Russo travels the country with his orchestra to sold out appearances performing the music that has influenced his life.

 

After Saturday night’s concert, VIP ticket holders will be invited to an after-party in the Grand ballroom for some nosh, the music of AMICI, and a chance to enjoy a complimentary glass of Gianni Russo Wines with Gianni Russo.

 

Russo will return to the Robinson Grand on the afternoon of Sunday, March 19to introduce the screening of The Godfather (1972). After the film he will host a live Q&A before he signs autographs of his bestselling books The 6^th Familyand Hollywood Godfather: My Life in the Movies & the Mob.

 

“To date, I don’t think the Robinson Grand has ever had a multiple-day event like this,” said Young. “We are selling the tickets as a bundle: one price, one purchase, two incredible events.”

 

Tickets for “A Weekend You Can’t Refuse” start at only $30, and went on sale to Friends of the Robinson Grand on Tuesday and are available to the general public at 10 a.m. today.

 

All tickets can be purchased online at tickets.therobinsongrand.comor by calling the Robinson Grand ticketing center at (855) 773-6283.