Pop-Culturalist.com

In 1989, writer Chazz Palminteri debuted his one-man autobiographical show A Bronx Tale to Los Angeles audiences. Four years later, his story became a phenomenon when it hit the big screen. It tells the story of Calogero Anello, a nine year old boy who witnesses a shooting while sitting on his stoop on Belmont Avenue, Bronx. When he protects the identity of murderer Sonny LoSpecchio (portrayed by Palminteri in the film), he becomes the mobster’s new right-hand man. This new relationship causes a strain between Calogero and his father Lorenzo that intensifies as they both get older. After a successful limited engagement at New Jersey’s Paper Mill Playhouse, the newest incarnation of Palminteri’s crime drama can be found at The Longacre Theatre and is presented by a creative team that consists of legends such as composer Alan Menken, lyricist Glenn Slater, choreographer Sergio Trujillo and co-directors Jerry Zaks and Academy Award winner Robert De Niro.

During the opening act we are invited to the corner of 187th and Belmont Avenue and meet teen Calogero, portrayed by Broadway newcomer Bobby Conte Thorton. As the company performs “Belmont Avenue”, we get the sense that Belmont Avenue is not merely a street, but an entity within the show. The street represents pride and is run by local mobster Sonny LoSpecchio (Nick Cordero). Calogero’s narrative continues as he recalls the shooting he witnessed when he was nine years old (young Calogero is portrayed by Hudson Loverro) that changed his life. Other main characters include Calogero’s father Lorenzo (Richard H. Blake), his mother Rosina (Lucia Giannetta) and his love interest Jane (Ariana DeBose).

The main cast is supported by a stellar ensemble which strengthens the sense of tight-knight community ties, both on Belmont and Webster Avenue where Jane lives. Jane is a young African American girl who, despite being aware of the complications that would arise by dating an Italian boy, falls in love with Calogero. DeBose, who many know from her recent choreography-heavy role in Hamilton, has remarkable dexterity on stage and a set of pipes to match. Her chemistry with Thornton is sensational and the actors’ performances stay true to the anxious and intense desire seen in the film. Another theme not lost from the film is the suspense caused by racial tension. Both Calogero’s crew (Keith White, Rory Max Kaplan and Dominic Nolfi) and Jane’s crew (Gilbert L. Bailey II, Christiani Pitts, Bradley Gibson and Trista Dollison) represent and escalate the tension between the Italian American and African American communities, which makes stakes so much higher for the young lovers.

In addition to racial tension, the pressure to make two conflicting father figures proud is represented in the musical exceptionally well. Cordero and Blake excel at depicting proud Italian-American men who want to convice not only Calogero but also the audience that they know what’s right versus wrong. Something that the musical provides that the film nor play don’t is the feeling that we too live on Belmont Avenue and are watching from our fire escapes as Calogero navigates through adult life. By having Calogero narrate directly to us, his life is immediately accessible and we are automatically engaged. It’s also important to note how Thornton and Loverro successfully mirror eachother in miniscule, but significant ways. The two actors may be making their Broadway debuts, but this won’t be the last time we see them work their magic on the Great White Way.

In addition to a spectacular cast, the musical’s strengths also include a vibrant scenic design by Beowulf Boritt and high energy choreography by Trujillo (led by dance captain Brittany Conigatti). Menken and Slater prove to be a power duo yet again with catchy songs like “Roll ‘Em” and “One of the Great Ones.” The music and plot makes A Bronx Tale comparable to hit musicals like West Side Story and Jersey Boys, especially since many cast members are alumni of the latter. Perhaps the only weakness of the musical is its pacing in act 2 but one must remember that the film had the same “flaw”, if it can even be considered one. We are slightly overwhelmed with all that’s going on towards the end of the story and rush to reach some sort of closure before the curtain falls. Again, this isn’t necessarily a flaw, but just something to pay attention to – you might miss something important if you blink.

Final verdict: Whether you’re a Disney fanatic that can’t get enough of Alan Menken showtunes or a loyal fan of the gritty film, this musical will leave you with a full heart and the strong desire to see it again. By staying true to the original story portrayed in the film, the cast and creative team of A Bronx Tale successfully transports its audience to Belmont Avenue in the most captivating ways. Various Tony Award nominations (especially one for Trujillo) are expected.

MVP: Richard H. Blake. A Bronx Tale is the actor’s 13th show on Broadway but it is by no means unlucky. His performance is extraordinary and the audience can’t help but root for Lorenzo as he fights for the respect and love of his son. With powerful vocals and palpable chemistry with Thornton, Blake’s performance is one that cannot be missed.

Tickets to A Bronx Tale can be purchased online here or at the box office. The Longacre Theatre is located on 220 West 48th Street.

Photo Credit: Joan Marcus