LEARN A LESSON FROM A MOB BOSS: ENJOY A BRONX TALE AT SEVEN ANGELS THEATRE
By Kiersten Bjork (May 5, 2024)
A Bronx Tale, currently playing at Seven Angels Theatre in Waterbury, is an engaging production featuring a talented cast. Unfortunately, the production suffers from a slew of sound issues, which resulted in the audience being unable to hear much of the quieter or lower range songs and dialogue of the show.
A Bronx Tale, with a book by Chazz Palminteri, music by Alan Menken, and lyrics by Glenn Slater, is based on the play of the same name by Palminteri, which later became the classic film. It’s the story of how a little boy grows into a young man amidst the wise guys and rising racial tensions of his Belmont Avenue neighborhood in the Bronx. Torn between the expectations of his family, his crew, and the mob boss that looks out for him, Calogero must determine who it is he wants to be. A Bronx Tale is co-directed by Joe Barbara and Janine Molinari, with music direction by Mark Ceppetelli and choreography by Molinari, and features memorable songs such as “Belmont Avenue,” “I Like It,” and “One of the Great Ones.”
A Bronx Tale, currently playing at Seven Angels Theatre in Waterbury, is an engaging production featuring a talented cast. Unfortunately, the production suffers from a slew of sound issues, which resulted in the audience being unable to hear much of the quieter or lower range songs and dialogue of the show.
A Bronx Tale, with a book by Chazz Palminteri, music by Alan Menken, and lyrics by Glenn Slater, is based on the play of the same name by Palminteri, which later became the classic film. It’s the story of how a little boy grows into a young man amidst the wise guys and rising racial tensions of his Belmont Avenue neighborhood in the Bronx. Torn between the expectations of his family, his crew, and the mob boss that looks out for him, Calogero must determine who it is he wants to be. A Bronx Tale is co-directed by Joe Barbara and Janine Molinari, with music direction by Mark Ceppetelli and choreography by Molinari, and features memorable songs such as “Belmont Avenue,” “I Like It,” and “One of the Great Ones.”
Joe Barbara and Christopher Rosa Cruz in A Bronx Tale at Seven Angels Theatre (Paul Roth)
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Keegan Smith, Raúl Calderón, Rocco Di Donato, Christopher Rosa Cruz (back), and Richard Gaudiosi in A Bronx Tale at Seven Angels Theatre (Paul Roth)
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The role of Calogero is usually played by Christopher Rosa Cruz, but at the performance I attended, Calogero was played by the understudy for the part, Raúl Calderón. Calderón draws you into the story from the very first lines of “Belmont Avenue” as he sets the scene, welcoming us into the world of Calogero and the streets of the Bronx in the 60s. Calderón has a great voice, and he really brings out the Calogero whose heart is torn between his parents, his newfound father figure in mob boss Sonny, and his growing attraction to Jane, a Black girl at a time when racial tensions are running high. Calderón plays him a bit sensitive and sweet, certainly charming, while also emphasizing the cunning, pride, and occasional rage that is infused into Calogero’s character.
Joe Barbara couldn’t be better suited for the role of Sonny, mob boss and paternal influence on Calogero. He cuts an imposing figure, has mastered “the look” that he gives when you know someone’s about to be in some real trouble, and he balances the gritty, violent side of Sonny with his protective and more attentive aspects with expert skill. There are times when the songs feel a tad high for Barbara’s range, and other times when the microphones cut out and left him hanging on the softer, lower notes, but overall, Barbara really makes a mark through the physicality and presence that he exudes every time he strides out on stage.
Carlos Velasquez Escamilla is endearing as Young Calogero. For a young performer, I was impressed with his vocal talent and strong grounding in his character. However, there were times where his lines were said with such energy that they were almost too fast to understand. Granted, he nailed that excited energy of a kid faced with thrilling and dangerous new possibilities spreading before him.
Robert Lomberto’s Lorenzo and Marissa Follo Perry’s Rosina, Calogero’s parents, are just right. Lomberto is strait-laced as Lorenzo, and we see just how hard he tries to make a life for his wife and son. His rendition of “Look to Your Heart” with Escamilla is touching. Perry’s Rosina is everything you want from an Italian mom. Rosina wants what’s best for her son, and Perry embodies the tough love and the words of wisdom with strength and poise.
Calogero’s crush, Jane, is played by Briana Maia. Maia is a standout vocally in the show. Her “Out of Your Head” is heartfelt, and throughout the show her voice carries some of the larger numbers. She has great chemistry with Calderón, and also really ties together the Webster Avenue ensemble, particularly in the “Webster Avenue” number.
Joe Barbara couldn’t be better suited for the role of Sonny, mob boss and paternal influence on Calogero. He cuts an imposing figure, has mastered “the look” that he gives when you know someone’s about to be in some real trouble, and he balances the gritty, violent side of Sonny with his protective and more attentive aspects with expert skill. There are times when the songs feel a tad high for Barbara’s range, and other times when the microphones cut out and left him hanging on the softer, lower notes, but overall, Barbara really makes a mark through the physicality and presence that he exudes every time he strides out on stage.
Carlos Velasquez Escamilla is endearing as Young Calogero. For a young performer, I was impressed with his vocal talent and strong grounding in his character. However, there were times where his lines were said with such energy that they were almost too fast to understand. Granted, he nailed that excited energy of a kid faced with thrilling and dangerous new possibilities spreading before him.
Robert Lomberto’s Lorenzo and Marissa Follo Perry’s Rosina, Calogero’s parents, are just right. Lomberto is strait-laced as Lorenzo, and we see just how hard he tries to make a life for his wife and son. His rendition of “Look to Your Heart” with Escamilla is touching. Perry’s Rosina is everything you want from an Italian mom. Rosina wants what’s best for her son, and Perry embodies the tough love and the words of wisdom with strength and poise.
Calogero’s crush, Jane, is played by Briana Maia. Maia is a standout vocally in the show. Her “Out of Your Head” is heartfelt, and throughout the show her voice carries some of the larger numbers. She has great chemistry with Calderón, and also really ties together the Webster Avenue ensemble, particularly in the “Webster Avenue” number.
Christopher Rosa Cruz and Marissa Follo Perry in A Bronx Tale at Seven Angels Theatre
(Paul Roth) |
Tiana Golding, Briana Maia, Milan Loreal, Rachel Nicole Poole, and Darnell Isaiah Williams in A Bronx Tale at Seven Angels Theatre (Paul Roth)
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Sonny’s crew is made up of Eddie Mush (Vin Scialla), JoJo the Whale (Michael Barra), Frankie Coffeecake (Jonathan Zalaski), Tony-Ten-To-Two (Rich Gaudiosi), the occasional sing-song antics of Rudy the Voice (Len Fredericks), and a cameo from Carmine (Phil Maiorano). They each possess a strong sense of character, leaning into the distinct personalities of their roles – many of which lead to the nicknames the mobsters now bear. The group maintains an imposing presence, and also manages to underscore their portrayals with fun comedic antics when the scene calls for it.
Calogero’s friends, Sally Slick (Joseph Thor), Handsome Nick (Rocco Di Donato), and Crazy Mario (Keegan Smith) bring the energy, encouraging Calogero to lean into the meaner side of the streets and to “Hurt Someone” in the explosive number toward the culmination of Act II. The trio also play the “Doo-Wop Guys,” supporting the overall storytelling with tight harmonies and smooth charm.
Jesse (Elias Ocasio), Charlene (Tiana Golding), Denise (Milan Loreal), Tyrone (Darnell Isaiah Williams), and Frieda (Rachel Nicole Poole) join Maia’s Jane in the Webster Avenue numbers and scenes. In “Webster Avenue” at the top of Act II, they execute a stunningly rhythmic section of stepping choreography that had the audience applauding mid-song, which was one of my favorite moments of the production. The Webster Avenue ensemble showcases a beautiful vocal blend and great control of group harmonies.
The production is enhanced by a talented supporting ensemble, including Vittoria Carrai, Samuele Innocenti, John Rush, Sabrina Tortelli, and Sydney Yargeau.
Calogero’s friends, Sally Slick (Joseph Thor), Handsome Nick (Rocco Di Donato), and Crazy Mario (Keegan Smith) bring the energy, encouraging Calogero to lean into the meaner side of the streets and to “Hurt Someone” in the explosive number toward the culmination of Act II. The trio also play the “Doo-Wop Guys,” supporting the overall storytelling with tight harmonies and smooth charm.
Jesse (Elias Ocasio), Charlene (Tiana Golding), Denise (Milan Loreal), Tyrone (Darnell Isaiah Williams), and Frieda (Rachel Nicole Poole) join Maia’s Jane in the Webster Avenue numbers and scenes. In “Webster Avenue” at the top of Act II, they execute a stunningly rhythmic section of stepping choreography that had the audience applauding mid-song, which was one of my favorite moments of the production. The Webster Avenue ensemble showcases a beautiful vocal blend and great control of group harmonies.
The production is enhanced by a talented supporting ensemble, including Vittoria Carrai, Samuele Innocenti, John Rush, Sabrina Tortelli, and Sydney Yargeau.
Briana Maia in A Bronx Tale at Seven Angels Theatre (Paul Roth)
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Christopher Rosa Cruz and Carlos Velasquez Escamilla in A Bronx Tale at Seven Angels Theatre (Paul Roth)
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Scenic design by Emily Nichols is well done and makes excellent use of the space. Apartment buildings frame the stage, with moving doorways and additional scenic pieces added to evoke other locations like a car or record store. Multiple levels are employed, allowing actors to perform from second story windows and to climb out onto the fire escapes of 1960s New York. It makes for a dynamic playing space for the performers, and really elevates the production.
Lighting designer Matt Guminski also supports the world of the show with a solid design, accenting the story with hazy streetlamps, foreboding color schemes lighting up the upstage cyc, and more.
Costumes by designer Thomas D. Gordon work well for the characters and period. I particularly liked Jane’s costumes, as they utilized an interesting and engaging array of colors and patterns. Many of the costumes consist of street clothes of the time, and the overall look fits nicely.
Sound design by Josh Lopez struggles. Now, whether or not this is an actual result of the design is up for debate. Throughout the performance, microphones were going in and out constantly, and the pit overwhelmed the voices on multiple occasions. This may be due to equipment or engineering, but in general, it made it rather hard to enjoy the production to its fullest potential. I’ve heard from a few other audience members at different performances that this has been the case pretty consistently. The sound struggles detracted from the overall production, and I hope that the issues can be remedied for future performances and productions, so as to better support the performers and company who are giving their all each night.
Lighting designer Matt Guminski also supports the world of the show with a solid design, accenting the story with hazy streetlamps, foreboding color schemes lighting up the upstage cyc, and more.
Costumes by designer Thomas D. Gordon work well for the characters and period. I particularly liked Jane’s costumes, as they utilized an interesting and engaging array of colors and patterns. Many of the costumes consist of street clothes of the time, and the overall look fits nicely.
Sound design by Josh Lopez struggles. Now, whether or not this is an actual result of the design is up for debate. Throughout the performance, microphones were going in and out constantly, and the pit overwhelmed the voices on multiple occasions. This may be due to equipment or engineering, but in general, it made it rather hard to enjoy the production to its fullest potential. I’ve heard from a few other audience members at different performances that this has been the case pretty consistently. The sound struggles detracted from the overall production, and I hope that the issues can be remedied for future performances and productions, so as to better support the performers and company who are giving their all each night.
Joe Barbara and the cast of A Bronx Tale at Seven Angels Theatre (Paul Roth)
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Christopher Rosa Cruz and Briana Maia in A Bronx Tale at Seven Angels Theatre (Paul Roth)
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Despite the sound issues, A Bronx Tale is an enjoyable production featuring a cast of skilled performers living within a fascinating story. From the lessons taught by a mob boss to those learned from Calogero’s father, there is a lot to take away from this piece, not to mention a catchy score. You’ll be humming the chorus of “One of the Great Ones” for days after – believe me. Don’t miss your chance to experience the production for yourself – see A Bronx Tale at Seven Angels Theatre before it closes on May 19!
A Bronx Tale runs April 26-May 19, 2024, at Seven Angels Theatre in Waterbury, CT. Tickets are available online at sevenangelstheatre.org or by calling the Box Office at (203) 757-4676.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.
A Bronx Tale runs April 26-May 19, 2024, at Seven Angels Theatre in Waterbury, CT. Tickets are available online at sevenangelstheatre.org or by calling the Box Office at (203) 757-4676.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.