The Last Supper: A Sopranos Session

The cameras captured an intimate and unscripted evening, as key members of the cast of the iconic HBO series, The Sopranos, gathered at the Little Italy restaurant, IL Cortile, a favorite haunt of the cast. This was not a scripted dinner, but rather an impromptu gathering of people who had formed a tight-knit family through their shared experience of bringing one of television's finest dramas to life. It had been eight years since The Sopranos had concluded its six-season run, ending with a polarizing series finale that left audiences worldwide debating the significance of the final scene. Despite the conclusion, the show's impact remained, and its influence can still be seen in many television series that followed. In this dinner, the cast reminisces about their experiences working on the show, and their time spent at IL Cortile. The conversation was lively, with a lot of laughter and stories being shared. The cast members talked about the camaraderie on set, the late nights, and the early mornings, as well as the emotional highs and lows they experienced throughout their time on the show. One of the first topics discussed was the casting process, and how each of the main characters was chosen for their roles. Michael Imperioli, who played Christopher Moltisanti, shared stories about his audition and how he got the part. Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who played Meadow Soprano, talked about her experience as a young actress being on set and learning from the veteran cast members. The conversation then shifted to the show's creator, David Chase, and how he approached storytelling. James Gandolfini, who played the iconic role of Tony Soprano, shared stories about working with Chase and how he brought the character to life. Lorraine Bracco, who played Dr. Jennifer Melfi, talked about the show's exploration of the human psyche, and how Chase's writing delved into complex themes such as identity, family, and loyalty. Tony Sirico, who played Paulie "Walnuts" Gualtieri, spoke about his time on the show and the bond he formed with the other cast members. Steve Schirripa, who played Bobby Baccalieri, shared stories about the late nights spent on set and the camaraderie among the cast. Silvio Horta didn't attend the session however, but also was mentioned as part of that cast group that enjoyed IL Cortile. The evening also touched on the behind-the-scenes aspects of filming, including the elaborate sets and costumes designed for the show. The cast members marveled at how meticulous the production team was, from the intricacies of the characters' clothing to the detailed sets that brought the Soprano's world to life. As the night went on, the conversation became more personal, with the cast members talking about their own experiences and personal struggles. The show's portrayal of the Italian-American experience was particularly poignant, with many of the cast members drawing from their own backgrounds and family histories. Throughout the evening, there was a palpable sense of gratitude, as the cast members reflected on the impact that The Sopranos had on their lives. They spoke about the show's influence on their personal and professional lives, as well as its lasting legacy in the world of entertainment. As the dinner came to a close, the cast members raised their glasses in a toast to the show, to each other, and to the memories they had created. The evening was a testament to the enduring power of The Sopranos, a show that had brought people together in ways both on and off screen. The dinner may have started as an informal gathering of friends, but it quickly turned into a celebration of a truly exceptional television show that had touched hearts worldwide.