Bullets Over Broadway: A New Classic at the St. James Theatre

About a week ago, a few future Musical Theatre majors at Rider University (myself included) went to see Bullets Over Broadway, a new stage version of the 1994 Woody Allen movie. This production was directed and choreographed by the immensely talented Susan Stroman, and the starring role was played by TV star Zach Braff (Scrubs, Chicken Little, Oz: The Great and Powerful). The show had received 6 Tony Nominations, but I was still a little skeptical about Film/TV stars in Broadway shows (*cough cough Godspell/In The Heights cough Corbin Bleu cough*), and after performing Guys and Dolls at my high school the previous year, I was not overjoyed about another gangster musical.

Bullets Over Broadway depicts a mob leader and his untalented actress floozy girlfriend, as he watches her perform at a nightclub for the umpteenth time. He'll do anything to please her, and when he spots a struggling playwright (Zach Braff) has written a new work, he jumps on the chance to make his dame a star. He offers to produce the whole thing, if he can give his girlfriend the spotlight. Braff extends his search to well-known actors throughout Manhattan, and eventually gets his play up-and-running. Only one thing stands in his way: Olive's bodyguard, Cheech, keeps opening his mouth and making suggestions. The worst part is, they're pretty good ideas. Slowly, Cheech takes over more and more of the script, eventually editing the work into glory.

My criticism of the production stopped when the overture began. The music was unique to the show, but presented a clear reflection of the Roaring 20s. The choreography had Susan Stroman written all over it, with big tap numbers and gangsters performing the second coming of Crapshooter's Ballet. Zach Braff was a hilarious leading man, with a darn good voice to boot. Cheech, played by Nick Cordero, was the true star however, with great vocals, great dancing and great comedic timing, and it was no wonder he has a Tony nomination for the part.

Overall, I was very impressed with the stage adaptation of Woody Allen's 1994 film. It was entirely deserving of the 6 Tony nominations it received, and I hope it continues to have a successful run.

Matt Sweeney, 17
Stamford High
President, NPT Youth Board