In this engaging conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Frank Ingrasciotta, the creator of ‘Blood Type Ragu,’ exploring themes of Italian heritage, family dynamics, and the immigrant experience. Frank shares his family’s journey from Sicily to America, the challenges they faced, and the cultural nuances that shaped his identity. The discussion delves into the importance of storytelling in preserving family history, the differences in food traditions, and the emotional impact of reconnecting with family in Sicily. Frank’s experiences highlight the resilience of immigrant families and the rich tapestry of Italian-American culture.
- Frank is the son of Sicilian immigrants from Mazzara del Vallo, Sicily.
- His family came to America in 1949 after World War II.
- Frank’s father was born in America but returned to Sicily as a child.
- His mother struggled with homesickness after moving to America.
- Frank visited Sicily at the age of seven, gaining insight into his mother’s life.
- He reconnected with family in Sicily after years of separation.
- Frank’s one-man show, ‘Blood Type Ragu,’ explores his family stories.
- The show blends comedy with dramatic elements from his life.
- Food traditions, like the debate over sauce vs. gravy, are central to Italian culture.
- Frank emphasizes the importance of preserving family stories and heritage.
ABOUT THE SHOW
Blood Type: RAGU is a hilarious and heartfelt coming-of-age story. A one-man play exploring a first-generation immigrant child’s delicate dance between searching for identity, embracing Sicilian roots, and understanding forgiveness. Writer/Performer Frank Ingrasciotta gives a tour-de-force portrayal of over 20 characters who live, love, and laugh, in this fast-paced journey that is not just a comedy, not just a drama — It’s family — and we all have one! The show delighted audiences Off-Broadway at the Actors’ Playhouse in NYC receiving a glowing New York Times review. Since its Off-Broadway run Blood Type: RAGU has performed over 1,000 performances nationally and internationally.
ABOUT FRANK
FRANK INGRASCIOTTA (writer/performer) Acting: Original Off-Broadway production of Godspell, Valley of the Dolls, Three Postcards, What Would Nora Ephron Say?, Dinner at 8, Edgar Degas in The Girl in the Blue Armchair, and the Pharaoh in Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Lincoln Center. TV: Five years as Rene Buchanan’s head maître d’ on One Life to Live, other recurring roles on The Guiding
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