On Feb. 15, the students of Monmouth University and theatre-goers got to experience the one-man show of “A Bronx Tale” starring the creator himself, Hollywood star Chazz Palminteri in our very own Pollak Theatre.
If you’re unfamiliar with “A Bronx Tale” it tells the story of Calogero ‘C’ Anello, as a boy growing up in a neighborhood with Mafia-related activity. He eventually captures the attention of mobster, Sonny, and their relationship grows into a friendship with a father-son-like bond. But, like any good play, there are trials and tribulations, laughs, and, most importantly life lessons.
I had the pleasure of seeing this performance for one of my theatre courses, and I have never been so pleasantly surprised. Palminteri, at 72 years old, played 18 characters, according to the theatre staff. He had the sold-out theatre hanging onto his every word and movement. He set the stage of the neighborhood so vividly that I could picture it as if I was standing in the center of it.
My favorite part of the opening was when Palminteri acted out all the different people on the block. He depicted “Italian men romancing their women” by yelling, “Marie, get in the fucking car,” which earned enthusiastic laughter from the audience. I know fellow Italian humor when I hear it because that’s the family I grew up loving. So it was clear most of the audience was in on the jokes.
Each character had a different walk, voice, and persona onstage, which was extremely impressive, considering this was a one-man show. There was never confusion as to who was talking or what character was being portrayed. That’s how good Palminteri’s storytelling was, which makes sense because afterward, he told my theatre class that it was his 1,053 performance. He knows this play like the back of his hand, literally, because it’s based on real events from his life. But, of course, there’s some entertainment embellishment for script purposes.
Some of my favorite characters were obviously the infamous Sonny, who gave off an obvious Tony Soprano feel, for “The Sopranos” fans out there. Not only were Sonny’s mannerisms and overall personality so intoxicating, but Palminteri was also able to move the audience in a way that enabled you to feel for him. At one point, ‘C’ asks him if it’s better to be feared or loved by people. Sonny says, “Feared. Fear lasts longer than love,” but there’s a fine line between being feared and being hated. Being hated isn’t as valuable. This was a theme throughout the play, as Sonny was constantly the center of attention on the block. If Sonny wanted something, there was a line of people ready to give it to him. He was as respected, as he was feared and his overall charismatic attitude is why people loved him.
Obviously, ‘C’ was the main character of the story and inspired by Palminteri’s life as a young boy living in the Bronx, NY. We see him grow and evolve into a young man with the help of his father, Lorenzo, and in many ways, Sonny. He went from a 9-year-old boy who loved the Yankees to a young man trying to romance his crush, all while balancing the relationship with his father and working for Sonny against his wishes. To me, it seemed like all ‘C’ wanted was to be wanted and worthy of people’s time. Sonny was able to give that to him while gaining a friendship, a “son” he never had, and a gambling good luck charm.
Now, this show wasn’t all dark and scary, mafia, although the lighting designs and set choices were so simplistic that it was bone chilling, in the best way. It also really helped to highlight Palminteri and allowed the audience to better focus on the plot. There were funny moments, and laughs had by the audience. For example, when ‘C’ was talking about his crush Jane, one of the neighborhood guys, Crazy Mario, told him to do the “Mario Test” to check her intentions. I’ll spare The Outlook readership the explanation but it was hysterical. Later on, Sonny would go on to explain “The Door Test,” a much friendlier and wholesome alternative to the Crazy Mario’s version.
This story really had the audience feeling every emotion possible: love, frustration, sympathy, empathy, shock, fear, and even fulfillment in the end. When the show ended, Palminteri came back out onstage to say a few words to the audience. He then took some cards out of his pocket that said, in big black lettering, “The Saddest Thing In Life Is Wasted Talent,” which was his father’s motivational saying. It’s one he carries with him throughout all things in his life as a reminder to keep doing what he loves. He called some young audience members up to the stage to take some as a reminder to keep doing good things, and the rest will follow. Definitely a moment those kids will remember forever.
My class then waited for Palminteri after the show to have a private moment with him and get a photo-op. I’ll leave you with what he told us is his advice for success, “1. Show up, 2. Be good at what you do, and 3. Be well-liked.” And that’s all there is to it, because “in the end nobody cares.”
