If you want the A list, Robert DeNiro can bring ’em out. He co-directed the musical version of Chazz Paliminteri’s “A Bronx Tale” with Jerry Zaks, after directing the hit 1993 movie. So of course, people came out to support him last night as the musical — full of doo wop and catchy pop songs by Alan Menken– opened at the Longacre Theater.
DeNiro’s old pal, Harvey Keitel, who stars with him in “The Comedian” was there, as well as their director, Taylor Hackford. The latter’s movie star wife, Helen Mirren, joined the group at the massive after party at the Marriott Marquis.
Also in attendance: the great Grace Hightower DeNiro, Palminteri and beautiful wife Gianna, Maureen and Little Steven van Zandt, plus Jimmy Fallon, Billy Joel, Harry Connick Jr., Danny DeVito, Vincent Pastore (Big Pussy from The Sopranos), actor Robert Wuhl, Jamie deRoy, Jane Rosenthal, Harvey Weinstein (who was overheard telling someone that “Hugh Jackman is the nicest guy in the world, literally”) and famed “Saturday Night Live” writer Alan Zweibel. Former Sony Music honcho Tommy Mottola, a producer on the show, brought out the music industry including current Sony Music CEO Doug Morris, Republic Records’ Charlie Walk and Monte Hellman, and Michelle Anthony.
DeNiro downplayed his involvement in the musical at the after party. “I didn’t do anything!” he said, but there are DeNiro like touches throughout. “A Bronx Tale” wasn’t easy to translate for the stage, but it’s those little things that count. Needless to say, New Yorkers will love the “Jersey Boys” meets “West Side Story” aspects of the show.
