I was delighted to see the first of three nights of A Bronx Tale at The Washington Pavilion.

For those of you that don't know, A Bronx Tale is about Calogero, a kid growing up in the Bronx in the 60s. He is witness to a crime committed by neighborhood mob boss, Sonny. Sonny eventually takes a liking to him and nicknames him, C. C then struggles between what his father, Lorenzo, has taught him and what Sonny has taught him. Which is right? Which life will he choose?

As if that wasn't enough for a young man to be struggling with, he falls for a girl named Jane from school. Jane is black. Calogero is Italian. They live in different neighborhoods which can seem like completely different worlds. Will their two worlds be able to merge? What will Lorenzo think? What will Sonny think?

There is a bit of a shock ending, but I won't spoil it or you.

Also, we are dealing with some mob business so there is some foul language and adult content. The show is recommended for ages 11 and up. Use your best judgment.

Now, this show was made by some heavy hitters. Alan Menken on music. You might remember him from The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Best just to name a few. Then,  Robert De Niro and Jerry Zaks directed this musical- based on Academy Award® nominee Chazz Palminteri’s story.

Also, I was pleasantly surprised to see that Nick Fradiani, American Idol winner from 2015 as Lorenzo, Calogero's father.

Sure, Nick Fradiani was a name I recognized and knew he'd be great, but this entire cast was stellar. As always, the shows that come through The Washington Pavilion are so well done.

No offense to the adults in the cast, but the boy that played Young Calogero was so impressive. Anytime I see a kid doing things I could never do, it both makes me smile and makes me feel like I should be more accomplished by now. I mean, this kid is only nine or ten and he is on a national tour for a hit Broadway musical. Sigh. Anyway, he was great! They were all great!

The show has been described as Jersey Boys meets West Side Story and I really can't think of a better way to describe it.

Great songs? Check. Great dancing? Check. Talented cast? Check. Great story? Check. It's got it all. It really is "One of the Great Ones".

Oh, and there was a tasty signature drink! I'm a sucker for a signature drink. Try the Purple Passion when you see the show!

There are two more chances to see A Bronx Tale. For ticket information click here. 

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