Berkshire on Stage

Having seen “A Bronx Tale” on Broadway where the towering presence of Nick Cordero as Sonny left a lasting impression, I wasn’t sure what to expect from another production, however,  the Mac-Haydn Theatre’s 2025 production doesn’t just live up to the original, it finds new life, depth, and heart in this iconic coming-of-age story set against the gritty streets of 1960s Belmont Avenue, Bronx.

For those unfamiliar with the story based on Chazz Palminteri’s acclaimed one-man show, “A Bronx Tale” is a streetwise musical set in the turbulent 1960s Bronx, it follows Calogero, a young Italian-American boy torn between the values of his working-class father and the allure of the local mob boss, Sonny. With a vibrant score by Alan Menken and lyrics by Glenn Slater, the show explores themes of loyalty, love, and the hard choices that define a life. Part coming-of-age story, part morality tale, “A Bronx Tale” is a powerful reminder that the saddest thing in life is wasted talent and the choices we make matter.

From the moment the lights went up and the doo-wop harmonies echoed through the intimate space, I was transported. This production brims with the same raw emotion and tough-tender sentimentality that made the Broadway run unforgettable, and in some ways, it feels even more personal.

Mike Keller, stepping into the larger-than-life shoes of Sonny, delivers a magnetic performance that balances menace with a surprising tenderness. His Sonny doesn’t just command the stage, he earns our fascination. Keller brings a cool authority and subtle humor to the role, but it’s in his quieter moments with Calogero (Logan Pavia) that he truly shines. Particularly in the titular song, “One of the Great Ones”, there’s genuine warmth in their bond; a mentor’s love that’s as complex as it is compelling.

Jack Holick, as the teenage Calogero, anchors the story with disarming sincerity. His portrayal captures the push and pull of a boy caught between two fathers, two worlds, and two paths. In this shining moment “I Like It” his child-like sense of excitement for a new adventure pulses through every lyric. His chemistry with both Keller’s Sonny and his onstage father (Gabe Belyeu’s Lorenzo), is authentic, never forced.

And speaking of fathers, Belyeu gives a quietly powerful performance as Lorenzo, Calogero’s hardworking, principled dad. It’s easy to make this character the moral compass of the show, but Belyeu doesn’t settle for easy. His Lorenzo is layered: proud, aching, loving. His delivery of “Look to Your Heart” is a highlight of the evening. You feel the cost of his choices, the heartbreak in his restraint, and the quiet heroism in every word.

What makes this Mac-Haydn production so memorable isn’t just the cast’s talent, it’s the clarity of its storytelling. Director Steve Edlund understands that “A Bronx Tale” is less about the mafia and more about manhood, morality, and the shaping of a soul. The pacing is tight, the staging fluid, and the emotional beats hit hard. The ensemble brings 1960s New York to vivid life, with crisp choreography, slick harmonies, and just enough grit. My one qualm with Alivia Cross’ set design is the painted emblems of New York City’s A, C, E trains emblazoned on the heart of the set of the Bronx. Any seasoned New Yorker would immediately acknowledge that the A, C, E trains don’t go to the Bronx, but the 1, 2, B, D, and 4, 5, 6 trains sure do. Cross’ masterful capture of what the “stoop nights” of NYC feel like, however, more than makes up for the minor subway snag. 

There’s something poetic about seeing this story told in a more intimate venue. Without the grandeur of Broadway sets and effects, the focus is squarely on character and in this case, the characters soar. The themes of love, loyalty, and identity feel even more immediate, more urgent.

If “A Bronx Tale” on Broadway was a polished diamond, this version is a rough-cut gem. It is raw, real, and resonant. It’s a story that continues to matter, and in the hands of this skilled cast and crew, it lands with weight and wisdom.

Don’t miss this production. Whether you’re new to the tale or returning like I did, you’ll leave reminded of the choices that shape us, the fathers we learn from, and the voices that never quite leave our heads.

Mac-Hayden Theatre presents “A Bronx Tale” book by Chazz Palminteri, Music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater, and based on the play by Chazz Palminteri, directed by Steve Elund runs July 10- 20. Choreography by Kaitlyn Frank, Music Direction by Evelyn Tomaro, Costume design by Sasha Sklar, Scenic design by Alex Cross, Lighting design by Andrew Gmoser, Sound design by Sean McGinley, Props design by Kalani Burkemper and Hair and Makeup design by Anjewel Lenoir. Cast: Doo-Wop Guys: Alex Agaliotis, Jacob Atkins, Riley Finn, Spencer Stanley, Calogero: Logan Pavia, Yong Calogero: Jack Holick, Sonny: Mike Keller, Rosina: Jeannine Trimboli, Lorenzo: Gabe Belyeu, Rudy the Voice: Jack Dossett, Eddie Mush, Carmine: Sky Vogel, Jojo the Whale: Andrew Higgs, Frankie Coffeecake: Jack Iovanella, Tony-Ten-to-Two: Aryell Beaulieu-Shaffer, Sally Slick: Alex Agaliotis, Handsome Nick: Spencer Stanley, Crazy Mario: Jacob Atkins, Jesse: Diogo Ramirez, Denise: Gaby Flores, Tyrone: Hedwyn Lamy, Jane: Kendall Stewart, Frieda: Anjewel Lenoir, Understudies: Calogero: Spencer Stanley, Rosina: Isabella Bertoni, Jane: Gaby Flores. 

Performance dates are July 10-20th. Reserved seats are $50. Run time is approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes with one intermission. Tickets are online or at the box office. Visit https://www.machaydntheatre.org/a-bronx-tale-2025 or call 518-392-9292 for more information. Contains adult language and mild violence.