Widow Pays Tribute to Husband Through Art

Designer and builder Michael Galgano amassed a considerable portfolio of work during his career, including Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck, International Flavors and Fragrances in Teterboro and Country Club Plaza in Paramus.

But the last project he worked on before retiring, the Anna Maria Ciccone Theatre at Bergen Community College, was particularly rewarding for Michael Galgano, his widow, Olivia, said.

Galgano was passionate about the arts and education, and the Theatre represented the intersection of those interests. Galgano broke ground at the Anna Maria Ciccone Theatre in 1989, and it hosted its first performance in 1992.

The 300-seat venue serves as a laboratory for theater, dance and music students at Bergen Community College and also plays host to outside performers. In September, it was Cousin Brucie and the Drifters; in June, Puerto Rican ensemble Plena Libre.

On Oct. 13, the Anna Maria Ciccone Theatre hosted a concert in honor of its builder. The College is putting on a tribute to Galgano in a performance that included every facet of the theater.

Olivia Galgano, an adjunct professor at Bergen Community College, directed the performance. Galgano directs the classical ballet program at Art of Motion studio in Ridgewood, and a company of dancers from the school performed works choreographed by Galgano at the concert. It was especially meaningful for Galgano to present her own work in the theater her husband helped build, she said.

Galgano, who has lived in Paramus since 1966, met her husband in 1961 when she was a member of the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo in New York City. Their three children plan to attend Thursday's performance.

"It's very heartfelt for me to see my husband's work be so honored in such a very special place," Galgano said.

The tribute featured performances from other Bergen Community College faculty, which will include revivals of pieces performed in the Anna Maria Ciccone Theatre in the past. The proceeds from the tribute will establish a scholarship fund in Michael Galgano's name, for students of the performing arts department at Bergen Community College.