The Bronx comes to Long Island as the Lighthouse Theatre Company presents A Bronx Tale at the Bellmore Showplace. Going in I was not going to let myself compare this production to the movie written by Chazz Palminteri who by the way just happened to make an appearance for a post show question and answer session. So needless to say with Chazz in the house the pressure was on the cast and crew to deliver.

I was curious to see how this epic tale would play out as a musical. My curiosity was quickly put to rest as this production directed by Rian Romeo had all the sound and feel of the 1960s including doo wop performed under a rotating street sign that itself plays a significant role. Romeo took full advantage of the minimalistic set by staging scenes that flowed seamlessly from musical numbers on the front stoop to the use of a video screen to help the audience feel each moment.

The show opens with a nostalgic moment as Calogero played by Calvin Zanetti is narrating the climate of the times and sees himself as young Calogero (Luciana Margiotta-Tramuta) who is with his parents, Lorenzo (Paul Phillips) and Rosina (Kaity Cave Boccia). Luciana captures all the charm and precociousness of young C that we as an audience have come to love from the original film but with her own unique twist
complete with snappy comebacks showing off her comedic chops for such a young actor.

The show immediately gets to the heart of the story as we are introduced to mafia boss Sonny (Tony Chiofalo). Calogero witnesses a crime committed by Sonny and under pressure from the neighborhood, his family and the police he is faced with a moral decision that will have repercussions for the rest of his life. Tony captures the essence of Sonny as a mentor and intimidator while Paul makes you feel the desperation of a father trying to hold onto a son’s love and respect. You can’t help but find yourself
rooting for both men.

While relationships are running rampant throughout the show the one I was waiting to see was between Calogero and Jane played by Ronell Hurt. Their chemistry jumped from the stage from their first awkward meeting to their first kiss.Both Calvin and Ronell are triple threat actors who can sing, dance, act and make you feel. Kudos to the entire cast who put their heart and soul into every dance combination, lyric and total energy. I would also like to spotlight a strong performance by Darnell Williams who played Jane’s brother Tyrone. Darnell captured the intensity and rage needed to play this pivotal role and he did not hold back. With a cast of characters like Jo Jo the Whale, Eddie Mush, Frankie Coffee Cake and Tony Ten to Two how can you go wrong?

I believe even Chazz was impressed.

The nearly two hour show seemed to fly by and keep you at the edge of your seat trying to answer the question, is it better to be loved or feared? To find out go check out A Bronx Tale in Bellmore. Shows will be running until August 10.