I saw the original production of Chazz Palminteri's spectacular vivid picture of his old neighborhood in The Bronx and was knocked out by the writing, basically a morality play, and his performance. Then I saw the De Niro movie. Terrific.
Now Palminteri has returned to Belmont Avenue again, and it's even stronger, more nuanced, even sharper, more thrilling than before. The physicality of each character is so clearly developed that it is a masterpiece. The power of Palminteri's work during the intervening years shines through this brilliant performance on James Noone's simple street set with Paul Gallo's perfect lighting -- all beautifully directed by Jerry Zaks.