Playbill of The Week: A Bronx Tale

13/53

"The saddest thing in life is wasted talent"

I grew up around Sicilians. My dad's side of the family all came from a small little town in Sicily. Cannolis, salami, yelling to show affection, and lots of family time. Whenever I would tell people my background they'd always compare me to The Godfather, but now I hope they compare me to A Bronx Tale. Based partially on the life of actor Chazz Palminteri, this show has gone from screen, to one man show, to Broadway. I first got excited about this musical when it had its La Jolla Playhouse try out. It focuses on a young boy named Calogero who witnesses a murder, makes friends with the neighbourhood mafia boss, and falls in love with a girl from the other side of the street. Combined with a hint of Jersey Boys and Guys and dolls, this musical brings back what's most loved with the Broadway classics. And not to mention music and lyrics by none other than Glenn Slater and Alan Menken, you know 8 time Academy Award winner Alan Menken. What more could you ask for from a musical?

Since I had never seen the film, I wasn't exactly sure what to expect from the storyline, but I knew based on the writing team and the actors that I would love it. Alan Menken is responsible for probably every song I belted out in my room as a child, he's a hit writing machine. His music makes you want to sing out loud, and it sticks with you forever. If you don't think you know who Alan Menken is, you do. He's responsible for The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and Enchanted, just to name a few.

The show is filled with heart warming performances. The two father figures of the show are played beautifully by Richard. H. Blake and Nick Cordero. Two performers who hold a special place in my heart for very different reasons. I'll start with Richard. I've always had a soft spot for the 'bad guy' in the show. They always get the best songs and they're the most charming. And when they're played by Richard. H. Blake, it makes it even better. He's responsible for bringing Glenn Gulia in The Wedding Singer and Warner Huntington the III to life on the Broadway stage. But in A Bronx Tale he plays the concerned father of Calogero, who just wants what's best for his kid. He gives a heartfelt performance, that you can tell comes from the fact that he is a father in real life. When he sings 'These Streets' as the Act I finale, there's so much passion and conflict. It's beautifully sung and acted, a standout moment for sure. I don't think he gets the recognition he deserves, I mean the guy did get a better score on Star Search than Sutton Foster so give this guy a Tony already!

I also have to mention the extremely talented Nick Cordero. Nic k is from basically the same town I'm from. So I obviously feel a connection to him. A guy from my city making it on Broadway, that's the dream. He's another performer who I feel is underrated. Originating the roles of The Toxic Avenger Off-Broadway, Cheech in Bullets Over Broadway; which was coincidentally originated by Chazz Palminteri (the more you know)and Earl in Waitress the Musical. Nick and Richard seem to both be attracted to the more colourful characters in their respected shows, and honestly I don't want them to stop. He plays a mafia boss with great conviction, he's a big presence on stage and commands your attention, yet makes the character of Sonny really likeable. You can see the bond that is formed between Sonny and Calogero and that's due to the amazing talent of the two actors.

In this show Calogero is played by two different actors, Hudson Loverro as 'young C', and Bobby Conte Thornton as older 'C'. Bobby basically narrates the show, starting with the opening number of Belmont Avenue, setting up the stage, introducing us to everyone on the street and setting the tone for the show. For a Broadway debut, I don't think you could have scored a better lottery. Written by Alan and Glenn, directed by Jerry Zaks and Robert De Niro, and starring some amazing Broadway vets. Living the dream. Hudson Loverro steals the show with his performance of 'I Like It.' An adorably fun and entertaining song, that's full of energy and witty lyrics. The audience was in stitches watching this kid strut up and down the stage, and knock us out with his vocals. They couldn't have picked a better pair for the role of C. Cannot wait to see what these two get up to in the future.

Honourable mentions have to go out to Ariana DeBose, Lucia Giannetta and Michael Barra. Ariana ;who plays Jane, C's love interest, dazzles on stage. You may have seen her in Bring It On, or as The Bullet in Hamilton and finally we get to see her in a more showcasing role. She's got pipes for days and dances up a storm. This role is full of energy and love. Ariana is going to do amazing things in her future and I cannot wait. Lucia Giannetta gives us a beautifully subtle performance as Cs mother Rosina. She's calm and sincere, and just a joy to watch. I wish we got more of her on stage. And Michael Barra is just the sweetest person in the cast. You can see his excitement and happiness to be a part of the show, and sometimes that energy is the most important thing. Seeing someone really whole heartedly enjoy his job just makes me enjoy it even more.

This show is fun, entertaining, full of love and endearing performances. It's a tried and true story of a family and their struggles. Maybe being Sicilian made me connect with the show more than others, but truthfully it's just a great night at the theatre. I walked out of there with a smile on my face and I couldn't stop humming the songs. I hope it gets the love it deserves from audiences. Yes it isn't a perfect show, but it's a great story and you can tell all the actors love what they're doing, and in the end that's the most important thing. If they're enjoying it, then we'll enjoy it. This one could be one of the great ones, so run to the box office and grab yourself a ticket.