Robert De Niro to make Broadway debut with 'A Bronx Tale'

Veteran Hollywood actor Robert De Niro is set to make his Broadway debut as co-director of the musical adaptation of his film “A Bronx Tale.”

The 72-year-old Oscar winner and theatre veteran Jerry Zaks took charge of the stage production at the Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey last year, and now the show is transferring to the Great White Way this autumn, reported Deadline.

De Niro’s involvement with “A Bronx Tale” stems back to 1993, when he directed and starred in the movie version of Chazz Palminteri’s play about a young boy from a working class family, who becomes involved in organised crime.

Palminteri revived the 1989 play on Broadway in 2007, and subsequently took the show on the road for a US tour.

For the musical, he adapted his own script, and recruited Academy Award-winner Alan Menken to compose the music and Grammy winner Glenn Slater the lyrics.

The production at the Paper Mill Playhouse premiered to positive reviews and impressive ticket sales.

It starred Tony nominee Nick Cordero as De Niro’s gangster Sonny, while Jason Gotay portrayed the young teen narrator, played by Lillo Brancato in the film.

Casting for the Broadway run has yet to be announced, but the production begins previews on November 3 at the Longacre Theatre, with the official opening night set for December 1.