A Bronx Tale: A Streetwise Sensation at National Theatre

If you’ve ever seen A Bronx Tale as a one man show, the musical version now on stage at The National Theatre may surprise you.  It’s the same “streetwise” story, but instead of seeing Chazz Palminteri take on all 18 roles, a whole cast of singers and dancers acts out the account of star-crossed lovers and soul searching in a battle of love vs. fear.

Calogero is in awe of Sonny (Joey Calveri), the flashy mob boss who plays in stark contrast to his Father, Lorenzo (Richard H. Blake), the humble bus driver who struggles to support his family.  Taken in as a protégé by Sonny against his Father’s wishes, “C” grows up fast.  But both men tell C to “Look to [His] Heart,” and the story surrounds his figuring out how to do that… in the most Italian way possible.

A Bronx street corner setting with fire escapes and lamp posts set the scene, whether it be C’s Belmont Avenue neighborhood or a few blocks away where Webster Avenue, the predominantly black neighborhood, prevails.  But Italians and Blacks don’t mix, at least according to that era, and the feud is not only keeping him from his love, but also threatens to get him killed!

It’s a tale that’s been told — and too many young Bronx men have likely lived — but it makes for one great night of theatre, bursting with high, energy dance numbers and original doo-wop tunes from Alan Menken, the songwriter of Beauty and the Beast.

Young C (Frankie Leoni — a Fort Washington, MD native!) performs with great heart.  Jane (Brianna-Marie Bell), his love interest, also gives stands out in vocal range and skill.

A Bronx Tale is at the National Theatre for one week only, from March 26 – 31, 2019. Run time: Approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, including one intermission. Recommended for ages 12 and up due to strong language and gunshot effects.

*Images credit Joan Marcus