A Bronx Tale… with life lessons about fulfilling your potential, about love and fear, about doing what’s right, and about following your heart.
Many subplots run through this musical, as we follow Calogero growing up in an Italian neighborhood in the Bronx through 1960s. Nothing is easy, nor black and white, for the 9-year-old who eventually turn 17 by the end of the show.
Various character developments were too overly simplistic. I am slightly uncomfortable with the patriarchal theme of “being a man” but understand that’s what one needs to survive in a tough hood. At the same time, there’s no significant female role in the show, which is regrettable for a coming-of-age story.
At the end, I felt scared for the teenager, conflicted, and confused alongside him. I cried for the mafia boss despite everything he did. The message about looking to your heart shone through. Love prevailed over fear. Calogero found his way in life, and became somebody. And that, I suppose, is what’s truly important.