‘A Bronx Tale’ musical at The Oncenter based on true stories

The popularity and excitement of musicals come and go, but for those involved with the national tour of the Broadway hit “A Bronx Tale,” the legacy of its biographical story endures.

The touring company of “A Bronx Tale” will perform at The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater on Feb. 19 and 20. The musical is based on Chazz Palminteri’s life growing up in the Bronx in the 1960s. With a book by Palminteri, music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Glenn Slater, the musical follows Palminteri’s 1989 one-man, off-Broadway show and Robert De Niro’s 1993 film adaptation.

“A Bronx Tale” is a story about the choices individuals make that ultimately shape their lives. The main character, Calogero, played by Alec Nevin, must choose between the father he loves and a life of crime as a mob boss. At its core, the production “is a tale about respect, loyalty, love and above all else family,” according to a press release.

Dance and swing captain Bryan Dougherty has been tasked with simultaneously keeping tabs on the show to ensure everything that was set when the show opened continues to be executed by the cast. But he must also be prepared to step in for eight separate parts in the case of illnesses or emergencies. Regarding life on tour, Dougherty said “being away from family can be difficult, but it’s always worth it.”

Alec Nevin (left) and Kayla Jenerson (right) play Calogero and Jane in the musical, which tells the story of a man who must choose between his love for his father and a life of crime as a mob boss. Courtesy of Joan Marcus

“I’ve never worked on material that’s been so close to home for the person that created it,” Dougherty said. The playwright, Palminteri, has been to a few of the tour’s rehearsals and shows.

The musical features what tour director Stephen Edlund describes as a duality in tone, combining the mobster danger of a 1960s Italian neighborhood with the incredible doo-wop music of the time and the Motown sound of the neighborhood next door.

Edlund has been involved with the musical since 2014, when it was originally conceived. He was the associate director working alongside Oscar winner De Niro and Tony Award winner Jerry Zaks, the original Broadway directors.

As tour director, Edlund has had the task of carrying out their original work and staging it for the new company of actors. He said that his journey with “A Bronx Tale” has been a “joyous process from start to finish.”

Jeff Brooks (left) plays Sonny, and Trey Murphy plays Young Calogero in the production. Tour director Stephen Edlund said that the musical combines the mobster danger of a 1960s Italian neighborhood with doo-wop and Motown music. Courtesy of Joan Marcus

Although the process has been relatively smooth, touring has its unique challenges. Broadway venues are usually much smaller than tour venues, which can seat up to 4,000 audience members. The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater fits 2,117 audience members.

“It’s about creating an experience that is truthful to the original story and staging but can be equally appreciated not just by the closest 1,000 people in the theatre but by every person in the venue,” Edlund said.

Despite this challenge from venue to venue, Edlund’s favorite part has been “the legacy element” of the show.

“It’s special to watch the characters on stage and to know that they are real people and to honor their impact on the main character in the musical and Chazz Palminteri in real life,” he said.