Greater Patchogue coverage is funded in part by New Village at Patchogue, open-concept rental residences with sleek contemporary design. Click here for a tour.
Actor and voice artist Hank Azaria, best known for his Emmy-winning roles on “The Simpsons” and in acclaimed series like “Brockmire” and “Ray Donovan,” has taken “A Leap of Faith” into an entirely different spotlight — channeling The Boss himself.
Azaria this March will embody Bruce Springsteen in a tribute performance with Hank Azaria and the EZ Street Band at the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts. It is the second scheduled Long Island performance for the band that Azaria pulled together earlier this year with the help of pianist Adam Kromelow, a Genesis tribute band member.
Tickets for the 8 p.m. show on Friday, March 28, go on sale Friday, Nov. 22, at the theatre’s box office and online. You can click here starting this Friday to purchase tickets, which range from $40 to $70.
The inspiration for Azaria’s Springsteen tribute came about a year ago when the entertainer surprised guests at his 60th birthday party by performing a set of his rock ‘n’ roll idol’s songs.
“At first, I wasn’t sure I could capture Bruce’s singing voice,” Azaria said. “Talking like him is no problem — that’s my day job. But after months of practice, something clicked. Suddenly, I couldn’t believe how much I sounded like Bruce.”
‘Lively and heartfelt’
Azaria practiced daily for six months, fine-tuning his vocal impression of Springsteen and mimicking his stage presence — including the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer’s unmistakable growl and storytelling style. Azaria’s commitment paid off when his band’s debut performance this summer in New York City sold out and earned rave reviews.
Observer critic Dylan Roth praised the band’s Aug. 1 show at Le Poisson Rouge in New York City, describing it as a “lively and heartfelt 80-minute celebration—not just of Springsteen’s music, but of the impact it has had on Azaria’s life.”
Theatre critics have noted that the band’s performance is more than a tribute concert; it’s a theatrical experience in which Azaria channels the essence of Springsteen to tell his own stories.
Summer sell out in Amagansett
The band followed up its city show with a sold out performance later that month at Amagansett’s Stephen Talkhouse.
“I’m staying in character as Bruce, even though I’m telling stories about myself,” the six-time Emmy winner told Rolling Stone.
Azaria said that all net proceeds from the Patchogue performance will benefit The Four Through Nine Foundation, which Azaria founded to support social justice, education and recovery initiatives.
Hank Azaria’s career spans decades, with iconic roles in film and television. His movie credits include “The Birdcage,” “Along Cam Polly,” “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story,” and “Heat.”
Springsteen cover band at Citi Field
Azaria, a Queens native and huge Mets fan seen sitting in the crown behind home plate at New York’s playoff games this fall, performed for Mets fans with the EZ Street Band in July, outside Citi Field before the Amazins’ game against Atlanta.
“I can’t think of a better way to spend my time and use my passion for voices than playing these songs for a crowd that loves them,” Azaria said, explaining how much he enjoys performing Springsteen’s music.
Embed from Getty ImagesTop image: YouTube video still
