Review: “A Bronx Tale” is a crowd pleaser at the Fisher Theatre in Detroit

The touring cast of "A Bronx Tale." Photo by Joan Marcus

Broadway’s new hit musical “A Bronx Tale” hit the Fisher Theater in Detroit.  It will play from January 21 through February 2, 2020.

This one-man show tells the story of a young Cologero (Trey Murphy) growing up as a teenager on the streets of the Bronx in the 1960’s.  The musical begins on the corner of 187th Street and Belmont Avenue where the doo-wop boys ensemble are singing the song “Belmont Ave.”  This neighborhood is an Italian section of the Bronx. 

Little Cologero, a Sicilian name,  (also known as “C” in the musical because the name is too long) witnesses a shooting in his neighborhood and is taken under the wing of the shooter, gangster Sonny (Jeff Brooks).  “C” is introduced to dice in the streets, gambling, fights and streetwise talk.  As “C” gets to be a teenager (played by Alec Nevin), Sonny becomes his second father.  His straight-laced bus driver father orders him not to see Sonny anymore.  The father, Lorenzo, (Nick Fradiani) also tells him to  make something of his life.  So “C” has to decide between the loyalty and love of his father and the gangster he wants to be.

A few blocks away is Webster Avenue, a black community where he meets African-American Jane at school (Kayla Jenerson) who works at a record store.  He has eyes for her.  However, Dagos aren’t supposed to like blacks.  A racial turf war ensues which has repercussions in the neighborhood.

The choreography had high energy throughout the performance.  The doo-wop ensemble harmonized perfectly.  There was a 20-minute break between the acts.  Also there were strobe lights, smoke, haze, loud gunshots and profane language during the show. 

However, “A Bronx Tale” is flawless and riveting and totally entertaining.

Tickets starts at $39 and can be purchased online at http://www.broadwayindetroit.com or http://www.ticketmaster.com.  Tickets can also be purchased by phone by calling 800-982-2787 and at the Fisher Theater box office.


“A Bronx Tale” by Broadway in Detroit

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