A Bronx Tale - Original Broadway Cast Recording

It could be said that the gentrification of New York City has extended to include not only the outer boroughs of the famous isle of Manhattan, but it could also have had an affect on Broadway and especially what plays across the big houses of the Great White Way. With tourism filling up the seats for the live versions of the Disney blockbusters turned stage phenomenons, theater producers have had to find creative and decisive new ways of bringing in audiences.

Without having to compromise the art of the live musical, every so often something comes in that just resonates with an audience -- something original but that still has a marketing connectivity that feels familiar and accessible -- not to mention appealing! With Robert De Niro and Chazz Palminteri lending their talent, and with music by Alan Menken collaborating on "A Bronx Tale" (Original Broadway Cast Recording) now available on CD and Digital Download speaks to that unique combustion of chemistry.

The story for the musical, the book written by Palminteri is loosely based on his own life, and is a reflection of the film of the same name which starred Palminteri and Robert De Niro. It's important to note that the film is based on the critically acclaimed play, flashing audiences back to the Bronx of the 1960s and is the portrayal of a boy journeying through life into manhood and trapped between the love of his father and the glossy attractiveness of the mob life that he so wishes to emulate.

Clearly dark in its tone, the music for the soundtrack benefits from the perspective of Alan Menken and lyricist Glenn Slater who truly can be credited with nurturing the love and heart that is at the core of the story. The cast is among one of the best there is and with Bobby Conte Thornton, Nick Cordero, Ariana Debose, Lucia Giannetta and Bradley Gibson among the ensemble there's a beautiful joy and harmony that rings true!

Over the course of the soundtrack's 19 tracks the story of "A Bronx Tale" evolves and the relevancy of the sound that inspired an era is extremely prevalent throughout the musical. "Look to Your Heart" sets the tone immediately and eases us into frolicking dance numbers and beautiful ballads, especially in the hands of Ariana DeBose and Lucia Giannetta. The culmination of the musical leads right into the ensemble number "The Choices We Make" which drives again the true narrative.

"A Bronx Tale" is an exceptional representation of what the contemporary musical needs to be in today's mercurial world of mass production. And truly, when was the last time you could say that a Broadway musical soundtrack made you want to dance in the aisle? "A Bronx Tale" has all the swing you need to get you right in step!

"A Bronx Tale" Original Broadway Cast Recording
Available on CD and Digital Download
$11.99
Ghostlight Records