Italian Roots and Genealogy

The Immigrant Experience: Stories from Sicily


Listen Later

Send us a text

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.


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! 

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 Light, All My Children, ABC Afterschool Specials, and The Equalizer. Film: Featured roles in the award-winning SAG films Figs for Italo and Brooklyn in July directed by Bob Celli, presently touring the film festival circuit. 

Stream the Ragu

www.bloodtyperagu.com

Turnkey. The only thing you’ll lift are your spirits.

Instacart - Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour.
Free delivery on your first order over $35.

Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!
Start for FREE

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Purchase my book "Farmers and Nobles" here or at Amazon.

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Italian Roots and GenealogyBy Bob Sorrentino

  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7

4.7

16 ratings


More shows like Italian Roots and Genealogy

View all
The Genealogy Gems Podcast with Lisa Louise Cooke - Your Family History Show by Lisa Louise Cooke

The Genealogy Gems Podcast with Lisa Louise Cooke - Your Family History Show

332 Listeners

Learn Italian | ItalianPod101.com by ItalianPod101.com

Learn Italian | ItalianPod101.com

426 Listeners

News in Slow Italian (Intermediate) by Linguistica 360

News in Slow Italian (Intermediate)

186 Listeners

Italian for Beginners by News in Slow Italian

Italian for Beginners

326 Listeners

The Italian American Podcast by Red Sauce Studio

The Italian American Podcast

366 Listeners

Learn Italian with Joy of Languages by Joy of Languages

Learn Italian with Joy of Languages

836 Listeners

Learn Italian with Lucrezia by Lucrezia Oddone

Learn Italian with Lucrezia

421 Listeners

NPE Stories by Lily Wood

NPE Stories

239 Listeners

Family Tree Magazine Podcast by Family Tree Editors

Family Tree Magazine Podcast

106 Listeners

Untold Italy travel podcast by Katy Clarke

Untold Italy travel podcast

645 Listeners

Italiano Bello by Italiano Bello - Learn Italian in Italian!

Italiano Bello

140 Listeners

Kimberly's Italy Travel by Kimberly Holcombe

Kimberly's Italy Travel

191 Listeners

DNA Surprises by Alexis Hourselt

DNA Surprises

171 Listeners

Easy Italian: Learn Italian with real conversations | Imparare l'italiano con conversazioni reali by Matteo, Raffaele and the Easy Italian team

Easy Italian: Learn Italian with real conversations | Imparare l'italiano con conversazioni reali

140 Listeners

Postcards from Italy | Learn Italian | Beginner and Intermediate by Postcards from Italy Podcast

Postcards from Italy | Learn Italian | Beginner and Intermediate

89 Listeners