By Gina Marie Rodriguez, JerseyArts.com
originally published: 11/12/2021
"A Bronx Tale, The Musical" was written by Chazz Palminteri with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Glenn Slater. The show initially premiered in 2016 at the Paper Mill Playhouse in — you guessed it — New Jersey, followed by a two-year run on Broadway. Here, our correspondent Gina Marie chats with the cast of "A Bronx Tale, The Musical," now running through November 14 at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center in Deal.
Listen in as they talk about why this has been the perfect show to return to after a nearly two-year hiatus.
About the author: Gina Marie Rodriguez is an award-winning screenwriter, director, and actress. Her foray into filmmaking began at a young age as a way to avoid public speaking in school. From there, it grew into a love of telling stories and creating new worlds. Gina Marie boasts a Bronze Remi win from Worldfest Houston, Best Female Filmmaker from the Cosmic Film Festival, and a Best Actress in a Comedy from the Hang Onto Your Shorts Film Festival alongside nominations from the Golden Door International Film Festival, Official Latino Film and Arts Festival and Los Angeles Cinefest among others.
Content provided by
Discover Jersey Arts, a project of the ArtPride New Jersey Foundation and New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
EVENT PREVIEWS
bergenPAC's Performing Arts School to Hold Auditions for "Annie"
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- This summer, bergenPAC's Performing Arts School will light up the Taub Stage with the beloved Broadway classic Annie, running July 31 through August 2, 2026. Auditions for the production will be held on Wednesday, May 13th from 4:00pm to 9:00pm. Digital audition submissions will also be accepted now through May 13th. Callbacks will be on May 20th from 4:00pm to 9:00pm.
The Theater Project presents a Staged Reading of "House Rules" by Jack McGrath on May 16th
(CRANFORD, NJ) -- The Theater Project's 2026 New Play Readings series will present a staged reading of Jack McGrath's House Rules on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Cranford Community Center's 110-seat theater. The play tells the story of Bobby Ray – a man who has walked across America to return "home" to try and avert a family tragedy. The problem is that the family he returns to refuses to recognize him, and his homecoming has come 10 years too late.
Stage Players presents "Alice By Heart"
(HADDONFIELD, NJ) -- Stage Players (ages 13-17) at Haddonfield Plays and Players presents Alice By Heart from May 14-16, 2026 at Haddonfield Methodist Church. From the Tony® and Grammy® award-winning creators of Spring Awakening, Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik, and co-written by Jessie Nelson (Waitress), Alice by Heart is a touching musical inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
American Theater Group presents "The Unwitting Magician"
(UNION, NJ) -- American Theater Group (ATG) will once again present The Unwitting Magician, a special work in development by Jeremy Dobrish, May 16-17, 2026 at the DMK Black Box Theater at the Union Arts Center. The piece was successfully presented last December as part of ATG's Free Monday Night Play Reading Series.
The Levoy Theatre presents "Diary of a Wimpy Kid, The Musical"
(MILLVILLE, NJ) -- The Levoy Theatre presents Diary of a Wimpy Kid, The Musical from May 15-17, 2026. Based on the "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" Book Series by Jeff Kinney and the 20th Century Studios Films, the musical contains a Book by Kevin del Aguila; Music and Lyrics by Michael Mahler and Alan Schmuckler.
PHOTOS from "Pippin" at Algonquin Arts Theatre
(MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre is presenting Pippin from May 8–17, 2026. There's magic to do when a prince learns the true meaning of glory, love and war in Stephen Schwartz's iconic and unforgettable musical masterpiece. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
The Maplewood Strollers presents "Much Ado About Nothing"
(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- The Maplewood Strollers presents Much Ado About Nothing across two weekends from May 15-24, 2026. Wit flies, sparks ignite, and love is anything but simple in this classic by William Shakespeare.
Classic American Tales celebrates Louisa May Alcott, Mark Twain, Paul Robeson, and the American Revolution in May
(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- In May alone, Classic American Tales performs on a farm, in two different libraries, and at historic Peachfield.
Mainstage Center for the Arts presents "Game of Tiaras"
(BLACKWOOD, NJ) -- Mainstage Center for the Arts presents Game of Tiaras on May 29-30, 2026 at Harmony Hall at Gloucester Township. Showtime is 7:00pm each night. Prepare for a hilarious royal showdown in Game of Tiaras!
First Avenue Playhouse presents "Old Love"
(ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- First Avenue Playhouse presents Old Love by Norm Foster across three weekends from May 15-30, 2026. This love story spans three decades with half a dozen meetings between Bud, a salesman, and Molly, his boss's wife.
