Earlier this month we hosted a giveaway for a pair of tickets to A BRONX TALE ‘s Opening Night performance at The National Theatre in Washington DC! We were able to attend Opening Night as well, and I can definitely say, this is a show you do not want to miss! Based off the 1993 film of the same title, this coming of age tale of Italian-American immigrants in the Bronx, features a production of family, loyalty, and love!
A BRONX TALE – Broadway’s hit musical takes you to the stoops of the Bronx in the 1960s, where a young man is caught between the father he loves and the mob boss he’d love to be. Bursting with high, energy dance numbers and original doo-wop tunes from Alan Menken, the songwriter of Beauty and the Beast, A BRONX TALE is an unforgettable story of loyalty and family. Academy Award® winner Robert De Niro and Tony® winner Jerry Zaks direct this streetwise musical, based on Academy Award nominee Chazz Palminteri’s story, that The New York Times hailed as “A Critics’ Pick! The kind of tale that makes you laugh and cry.”
As both my friend and I had seen the movie, we were super excited to see how this gritty New York story could be turned into a musical fit for Broadway. Here we have a story about a child who witnesses a murder, but then befriends the mob when he doesn’t rat them out. Could this actually work on stage? We were excited to find out!
What was really exciting about Opening Night was that Palminteri was in attendance himself! He actually sat just three rows in front of us. He later popped up on stage after curtain call to briefly speak a few words about the production, which he originally wrote as a one-man-show prior to it turning into a film.
If you’re a fan of doo-wop music of the 60s, you’ll be quite happy with the musical selection of the performances. A BRONX TALE begins with a familiar doo-wop number, and a lone street light. You know then you’ve been transported to New York City.
It’s not long before you’re plunged into the story and young Calogero first comes into contact with the mob, right from his own stoop.
Those familiar with the movie, know that Calogero refuses to point fingers at the suspects in the aftermath of a murder, thus earning the respect of mob boss Sonny, who then affectionately calls Calogero “C”.
“C” essentially finds himself with two father figures, each thinking they know what is best for the lad. His working class father Lorenzo doesn’t approve of “Calogero’s new life with Sonny and his crew. And Sonny believes Calogero should have the freedom to earn money throwing dice if that is what he wishes.
Fast forward to Calogero’s teenage life, he soon finds himself falling in love with a fellow student, Jane. As Jane is African-American, the musical then explores the racial divide that was ever present in that era. While Sonny encourages the relationship, Lorenzo doesn’t seem as sure, given recent racial tensions between neighborhoods.
I don’t want to give too much of the plot lines and high points of the production away, as I hope you will see A BRONX TALE for yourself!
You can purchase tickets to select shows for just $69! Simply use the code BRONX1 to receive the special $69 price. This performance will run on the DC stage through March 31, 2019.
The cast features 10 alumni from the Broadway production, led by Joe Barbara as Sonny, Richard H. Blake as Lorenzo, Joey Barreiro as Calogero, Michelle Aravena as Rosina, Brianna-Marie Bell as Jane, Antonio Beverly as Tyrone, Frankie Leoni as Young Calogero, and Shane Pry as Young Calogero Alternate.
The ensemble includes Mike Backes, Michael Barra, Sean Bell, Josh Burrage, Joey Calveri, Giovanni DiGabrielle, John Gardiner, Peter Gregus, Haley Hannah, Kirk Lydell, Ashley McManus, Chris Messina, Kyli Rae, Joseph Sammour, Paul Salvatoriello, Jason Williams, and Brittany Williams.
Run time: Approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, including one intermission. Recommended for age 12 and up.
The National Theatre is located downtown on 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC, 20004, facing Pennsylvania Avenue and Freedom Plaza. There is a parking garage right next to the Theatre, which you can use Spot Hero to reserve a spot (use my referral link to save $7!). The closest Metro stop is Metro Center. For more information on A BRONX TALE visit: http://thenationaldc.org/events/category/series/a-bronx-tale-19/
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oh my gosh HOW FUN is this- my husband and i used to love going to theatre to see shows and we miss it so much- what a great review of such a historical theatre! Glad you had such a great time!
I know I would love those musical selections! I’ve never seen the movie so now I want to see it and the musical. Looks like a great one!
Musicals are always wonderful to go and enjoy. Wish we lived closer but we do not and don’t get to see something wonderful like this.
I have not seen the play but enjoyed the movie. I would love to see this production and see how they adapted it .
I bet I would love this. I am a huge fan of musicals. I hope this comes to my area.
There is always something amazing about seeing a play live in front of you. This sounds like a really interesting one as well, and one I’ve not heard of.
I love a live play because it feels so much more real and the story is more in your face. This one sounds great wish it would come to Atlanta
I love going to the theatre. My son has written a few reviews of Shakespeare plays we saw at Stratford.
I do love a good musical and this looks promising. I hope it tours. I’ll be keeping an eye out.
I haven’t seen a play in quite a while, but I’d love to watch one. This sounds like a wonderful storyline – would love to watch!
I have just added this to my shows to see! Thank you, I might have missed this one. I do love a good doo wop song.
I am not very familiar with a Bronx Tale, but this looks like such a good production! Sounds like you guys had a wonderful time seeing the show.
It looks like a great show! I always enjoy myself when we go to see musicals, even though I am not musical at all and don’t sing a note.
I love theatre shows! They are magic! Thanks for sharing with us!
This show is coming to a theater near me next year. I was actually on the fence about seeing it because I hadn’t heard of it but now I want to go see it!!!
It’s been a long time since I last watched musicals and theatre shows. Reading this makes me realised how long it was and now thinking of watching again.