theatreguy12 said: "Speaking of A Bronx Tale, it seems thisshow gets verylittle discussion on this board. I may have missed the original threads on its opening and reviews (which is odd since I've been around these boards for a long time, first as a reader only, and then as a contributor), but it seems like this show keeps chugging along, but no one ever seems to talk much about it.
Is it a good show? And if it's a good enough show to keep it on Broadway, why don't people discuss it much? Interesting phenom on this one."
I saw it before the Tony noms for that season. It is very much a formula piece with most major plot developments highly predictable even if you haven't seen the movie (which I haven't). The characters are fairly broad. That said, this is definitely one of Menken's better scores in recent years, and the show does manage to create stakes and suspense, especially in Act I. Would I call it a "good" show the way we think of "Cabaret," "Sweeney Todd," or "Caroline or Change" as being "good" shows? No. But did I have a surprisingly great time at the theater with a show that does what it does effectively, understands its identity, and provides entertainment value without much schlockiness? Absolutely. It was also very well-acted and well-sung with a terrific ensemble. Imho, it is definitely worth seeing if you are looking to be entertained. I actually play the score fairly often at work because it gives my mood a lift. If you see it, let us know how you find it!