Before "A Bronx Tale" became a lavish Broadway musical, it started off as a one-man show based on the life of actor and playwright Chazz Palminteri.

"I did it actually to get an agent and here it is 30 years later," said Palminteri. 

We caught up with the Oscar-nominated actor at Rivers Casino and Resort in Schenectady to talk about the tale that has encompassed the last three decades of his life.

"It's a very iconic story about a boy trying to find his way," said Palminteri.

The one-man play caught the attention of Academy Award winning actor Robert De Niro, who made his directorial debut with the 1993 movie. Palminteri was adamant about playing the role of Sonny — the real life wise guy who helped shape his childhood. 

"What makes the story unique is that he told me the same things that my father did: Stay in school, do something with your life, get out of here," Palminteri said.

It would be another 23 years before the musical would make its Broadway debut.

Now playing at Proctors, Palminteri says the musical's theme is universal: "That's the saddest thing in life is wasted talent and the choices you make will shape your life forever."

Palminteri says the scene with him passing the dice is true.

"Nine passes in a row. It's true, but the problem is when I go to the casinos everybody thinks I'm going to hit nine and I say 'hey I was nine years old when I did that," laughed Palminteri. 

 
 
He says seeing the show is a sure bet. 

"A Bronx Tale" is playing at Proctors through October 28.