WATCH: Author's Latest Shines Light On Tony Awards History

LONG ISLAND, NY — An accomplished author who has ties to Long Island has released her latest book looking at Broadway's history.

Eila Mell's "A Celebration of Excellence in Theatre: The Tony Awards" was assembled in conjunction with the American Theatre Wing.

Her interest in the performance arts started at an early age. While attending elementary school in Queens, she participated in a summer theater camp in Wheatley Heights for four years.

"It was just my favorite place in the world," she said. "I studied musical theater there."

This coffee-table book was put together to celebrate the Tony's 75th anniversary. It's filled with photos and a full list of each year's Tony recipients.

"This was a dream project," said Mell, who has written eight other entertainment-related books.

Mell also spoke to dozens of winners and incorporated those interviews through the book.

"It was legend after legend," she said.

Among the greats Mell has memories from include Joel Grey, Harvey Fierstein, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Bernadette Peters and Kristin Chenoweth.

There is also Jason Alexander, who won a Tony Award for "Jerome Robbins' Broadway" in 1989, the same year that "Seinfeld debuted.

"I immediately was completely charmed by him," she said. "He was very honest about his dealings with Jerome Robbins."

Watch the full interview with Mell on the "Patch Weekly Spotlight" below.