INTERVIEW: Visit the real-life locations from ‘The Sopranos’
Photo: Marc Baron is the tour guide of the Sopranos Sites Tour. Photo courtesy of the artist / Provided by On Location Tours with permission.
The Sopranos has been back in the news lately thanks to HBO Max’s prequel movie, The Many Saints of Newark, and the original series has also proved quite bingeworthy for a new generation of fans. For newcomers, this expansive drama detailed the personal and crime-laden struggles of mob boss Tony Soprano, brought to memorable life by James Gandolfini. Joining him in the cast are Edie Falco, Lorraine Bracco, Michael Imperioli, Tony Sirico, Steven Van Zandt and more.
Mega fans of the series can take their love to a whole new level thanks to On Location Tours, which offers a “Sopranos Sites Tour” in the New Jersey area. The company also offers tours centered on Sex and the City, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and even one based on TCM classic movies.
The Sopranos Sites Tour, which is available daily, drives by many of the iconic locations in the series, including the Bada Bing, Pizzaland, Barone Sanitation and the Muffler Man. Fans can even sit in the same exact booth where Tony sat in the final episode of the show (and debate whether that was a fitting conclusion to this family saga). There may even be some stops associated with the new prequel movie, according to press notes.
Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Marc Baron, the tour guide for the Sopranos Sites Tour. Baron is a screenwriter and actor, and he also was a stand-in or double on 13 episodes of The Sopranos. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What do you personally love about the show The Sopranos?
What makes The Sopranos work for me was the writing and directing. It delved into the mob world at a different level, showing these characters with deeper psychological defects and vulnerability. It also was great at seamlessly shifting gears from a violent mob story to family drama, to psychological drama, to comedy. It kept you on your toes, looking to see what would happen next.
What are some of the highlights of the tour?
The highlights of the Sopranos Locations tour include Holsten’s where the final episode filmed, and Satin Dolls aka Bada Bing. Overall, we cover 59 miles and 50 locations, and discuss filmmaking, the actors and characters, and more. There are several points where we get out of the vehicle to walk and, of course, go inside Holsten’s and Satin Dolls. While we have been doing the tour for many years, what keeps [it] interesting are our clients, who each bring their questions, thoughts and ideas, and engage in thoughtful conversation about the show and the actors.
Why do you think the fanbase for this show is so dedicated (and still growing)?
The show provided a new take unlike anything before or since. The blend of style, storylines and characters attract a wide audience, some of the most dedicated I’ve ever seen! This show forever changed television, being the first successful storyline where the anti-hero is the lead, opening doors for Breaking Bad and others of that ilk.
What did you think of the prequel film?
Frankly, I was disappointed in the prequel. David Chase made it clear this was not Tony’s origin story, but one of its own. However, the marketing was all about who made Tony Soprano. The film lacked the depth of character and storyline of the series, and lacked the shifting of gears (drama, comedy, etc.). Let’s face it, the impact of The Sopranos series was huge and is a tough bar to reach for any prequel.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Click here for more information on the Sopranos Sites Tour.
