Review: National Tour of 'A Bronx Tale' at The Palace Theater

Waterbury, CT - Waterbury’s magnificent Palace Theater opened the 2019-2020 Webster Broadway Series on Tuesday evening with the first stop of the new national tour of A BRONX TALE to a packed house. The Palace was delighted to host American Idol winner Nick Fradiani for their 15th Anniversary Celebration and Season Kick-Off Event back in September, and now they welcome the CT native back for his Broadway touring debut.

“We have achieved a great deal in fifteen years, with still so much opportunity for growth ahead. In addition to serving as a performance venue, a cultural center, a reception facility for special events and a community gathering place, we also serve as the performance home for the Waterbury Arts Magnet School. It is a pleasure to watch the evolution of young performers as they work to hone their craft both on and off stage. And it is gratifying to see their names appear in our playbills, as they pursue careers in theater, and return to their home stage while on tour.” - Peter J. Jacoby, MD, FACEP, Chairman of the Board of the Palace Theater (and I couldn't agree more.)

Here’s to 15 more years….

A BRONX TALE is based upon the play written by Chazz Palminteri and incorporates some wonderful music by Alan Menken (LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS) with lyrics by Glenn Slater (SISTER ACT.) Mr. Palminteri wrote the book for what is clearly his gritty musical. The star was introduced by Mr. Fradiani during the curtain call and came out on the Palace stage to address the audience who were already on their feet.

The true story of the author’s young life opens strongly with Calogero, backed by a boy do-wop group and the ensemble, singing about “Belmont Avenue,” the street where Mr. Palminteri grew up in the Bronx. The first act closer is the wonderful “These Streets” led by Mr. Fradiani in the role of “C’s” bus driver father Lorenzo. The second act opens with girls and guys singing in tight harmony “Webster Avenue,” the street where the African-American love interest of the leading character lives. The original music moves along this coming of age story set on the tough streets of the Bronx, and there is a surprising amount of comedy amongst the dramatic story. I especially appreciated the references to growing up in an Italian and Catholic family.

The devoted fans and family of Nick Fradiani were out in force on opening night to support the 2015 American Idol winner on his tour debut and by the end of the performance just about everyone in the audience counted themselves as a fan of the CT native. I had actually spotted Nick Fradiani Sr. in the lobby before the performance; I recognized him from his appearances on the television Mass on WCCT. I was rooting for the younger Mr. Fradiani to succeed in his musical theater debut and I can assure you that he knocked it out of the park. Of course he nailed his vocals, and he fit in perfectly with the experienced actors that make up the touring cast.

“The saddest thing in life is wasted talent, and the choices that you make will shape your life forever.” - Chazz Palminteri

Jeff Brooks (tours of BULLETS OVER BROADWAY, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST) commanded the stage in the role of the hard-edged Mafia boss Sonny, who takes Calogero under his wing when the young boy witnesses a murder commited by the don and does not snitch. Alec Nevin (MAMMA MIA!) did a fine job as the young adult version of Calogero, who acts out his story as he narrates the tale. Trey Murphy earned a big round of applause for his performance as the Young Calogero, and totally deserved it. Anthony Gianni, who has been singing, dancing and acting since the age of 5, appears at some performances.

The lovely Kayla Jenerson (tours of MOTOWN THE MUSICAL, LEGALLY BLONDE) was able to shine in the role of Jane, the young woman that “C” thinks might be “One of the Great Ones.” Stefanie Londino (WHAT DO CRITICS KNOW? at the York Theater, MY NAME IS ASHER LEV at Playhouse on Park in West Hartford) was strong in the role of his adoring mother Rosina.

The talented ensemble, some of whom played wise guys with colorful names, includes Martin Bonventre (Eddie Mush,) Hallie Brevetti (THE DROWSY CHAPERONE at Goodspeed,) Lauren Celentano, Tyler Dema (Crazy Mario,) Bryan Dougherty who is originally from CT (Dance Captain,) Adam Grabau (Carmine,) Mairys Joaquin (Denise,) Breia Kelley (Freida,) Christopher Miles, Brett Pederson, Daniel Rosenbaum (Tony 10 to 2,) Benjamin Sears (Handsome Nick,) Mark Sippel (Frankie Coffeecake,) Joey Trombino (Rudy the Voice,) Darius Vines (Jesse,) Rhys Williams (Sally Slick,) and Nathan Wright (Jojo the Whale.)

The original direction of A BRONX TALE was by Robert De Niro and Jerry Zaks, with the world premiere at the Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey in 2016. The direction for the tour is by Stephen Edlund. To my eyes in a seat the rear of the theater, the staging was especially strong, painting one memorable stage picture after another. The intricate scenic design by Beowulf Boritt worked perfectly and looked quite amazing with the fantastic lighting designed by Howell Binkley. Sound design by Gareth Owen was uneven on opening night, making it difficult for me to understand the lyrics of the choral numbers at times.

I enjoyed every step of the choreography recreated by Brittany Conigatti based on the original choreography by Sergio Trujillo because it flowed so well with the story. Costumes designed by William Ivey Long were authentic and flattering, with great hair and wigs designed by Paul Huntley and makeup design by Anne Ford-Coates.

I appreciated the sparkling arrangements of the varied musical numbers. Music Supervision and Arrangements are credited to Ron Melrose. Music direction was done by David Aaron Brown, Doug Besterman did the orchestrations, Johnny Gale was the period music consultant and John Mezzio was the music coordinator. Mr. Brown conducted the pit orchestra while playing keyboards with Associate Conductor Gianfranco Tio also on keyboards. The assistant conductor Jason Bell also covered keyboards with Todd Barnhart and Andrew Spencer-Bell on woodwinds, Jesse Klirsfeld on trumpet/flugel, Brian Morgan on trombone, Peter Serravalle sounding great on guitar, Andrew Gillum on drums and Michael Beeck on electric bass.

Although Mr. Palminteri urged the opening night audience to come back to see the show with their children, be forewarned that there is plenty of strong language, gun violence, and physical fighting. The tour will be in Waterbury through October 24; from there it moves on to a tour around the country.

Nancy Sasso Janis, writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local venues, posts well over 100 reviews each year. In 2016, her membership in the Connecticut Critics Circle began and her contributions of theatrical reviews, previews, and audition notices are posted not only in the Naugatuck Patch but also on the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and Connecticut Theatre Previews and on Twitter @nancysjanis417 Check out the NEW CCC Facebook page.
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