The children of St. Anne's School in Garden City were treated to an afternoon of storytelling on Friday, Jan. 30 as Garden City resident and talented performer Bob Spiotto played the part of the Pizza King from children's book author Sylvester Sanzari and Sanzari read his tale of the mythical origins of pizza. The students were mesmerized by the narration, costumes, and comical acting-out of the story. Lessons of sharing and caring were taught through delightful dancing and comedy. Students also learned to dance the traditional Italian folk dance, the Tarantella.

Bob Spiotto is currently the Assistant Director of Theater and Music Programs for Hofstra USA Productions. He is a Hofstra Alumnus who also holds an M.F.A. in directing from The Catholic University of America. He recently co-produced Uneasy Lies the Head featuring Patrick Stewart. He has also contributed to the Garden City Continuing Education program by teaching a class on acting.

Author Sanzari has shared his delightful tale with schools across Long Island, engaging them through the entertaining prose and performances by Spiotto as the protagonist. The children were excited to be able to interact with their new favorite character. While still in character, Spiotto affords the students an opportunity to ask the King of Pizza questions about the lessons he learned and life as the king of every kid's favorite food. The students of St. Anne's also enjoyed the opportunity to actually meet a professional author who creates stories they love.