A Bronx Tale in Sacramento — A Review

by Michael P. Coleman

“The saddest thing in life is wasted talent.” It’s one of the principal maxims in A Bronx Tale, running through March 8 in Sacramento.

If that maxim is indeed true, it is going to be a very, very happy week in Sacramento, as a group of extremely talented singers and dancers have their gifts on full display in this engaging production.

Broadway Sacramento has been getting a lot of mileage from a line from a review of A Bronx Tale’s Broadway run: “Jersey Boys Meets West Side Story.” I’ve not seen either of those productions on stage, but I can’t imagine either was better than this one.

I wasn’t blown away by A Bronx Tale, but I was moved — to tears at one point, as I watched a father lose his son to a life he hadn’t envisioned for him. The character was masterfully played by American Idol alumnus Nick Fradiani , who almost stole the show from Alec Nevin who played his son, Calogero.

Nevin’s charisma — and, frankly, his biceps and good looks — largely carry A Bronx Tale, based on the 1993 film and buoyed by a predictably engaging score by Broadway and Hollywood legend Alan Menken. Nevin’s rapport with Fradiani was a reminder that onstage chemistry isn’t always about romantic attraction.

Not that A Bronx Tale is short on passion. When Calogero meets the object of his affection — “one of the great ones” — you could feel the heat in the cheap seats. The role is beautifully acted and sung by Kayla Jenerson. I will say that her casting in the role was a bit of a surprise.

Read MPC’s full review.