Meet the Young Stars from A Bronx Tale: Hudson Loverro & Levi Smith

Performing on Broadway at any age is challenging, especially for kids who have to balance school and work. Hudson Loverro and Levi Smith seem to have it all figured out; they are both having a blast playing Young Calogero in A Bronx Tale and enjoy learning from the supportive Broadway community that surrounds them.

Hudson Loverro and Levi Smith
Hudson Loverro and Levi Smith

You made your Broadway debuts at a young age. What has that been like?

HUDSON: It was a pretty amazing experience. I love the community.

LEVI: It’s been really amazing to make my Broadway debut at only 10 years old. It’s better than I’ve ever imagined. It has never ever felt like a job! If this is what a job is like, than sign me up, I want to do this for the rest of my life!

How old were you when you got involved in theatre and what was your journey to Broadway like?

HUDSON: I started dancing first when I was about three and picked up acting and singing from my sister a few years later.

LEVI: Actual fun fact, I was 7 years old when I was cut from the very first show that I auditioned for. My sister Faith also auditioned for that same show and didn’t get cut. When I saw her on stage, I knew it was something I really wanted to do. Shortly after that show, I decided to take my first acting class with CYT Houston.

When I turned 8 years old, I auditioned for Beauty and the Beast Jr. You might laugh, but I loved being a villager and a teaspoon, but mostly I loved being a sheep! It was so fun entertaining the audience.

After Beauty and the Beast, I was cast in several other shows. Some of my favorite credits include “Flounder” in Little Mermaid, “Winthrop” in Music Man, “Michael” in Mary Poppins, “young Sam / Tommy” in the world premier of It’s A Wonderful Life at Houston Grand Opera.

What was the first Broadway show you saw?

HUDSON: Finding Neverland. I loved it! And I met one of my best friends there.

LEVI: My first Broadway show was Finding Neverland.

Can you tell us about your journey to Broadway – what was the audition process like?

HUDSON: Well, it was pretty stressful but I think I had a good experience.

LEVI: After training for a few years and performing in youth, community and regional theaters, I began auditioning in NYC. When I was 10 years old I auditioned in NYC for Sound of Music (tour), Mary Poppins (Paper Mill), Finding Neverland (tour), A Christmas Story (Tour) and finally Les Miz (tour) and A Bronx Tale.

Another fun fact: I was turned down by 2 agents and a manager while I was in A Christmas Story. Karen Lampiasi of Lampiasi Talent finally took me seriously as an actor. I’m so glad I didn’t give up!

What was it like meeting Chazz Palminteri?

HUDSON: Awesome! He’s a great guy with lots of great stories.

LEVI: It really was amazing to finally meet Chazz, knowing that his story has influenced so many lives.

What’s an important lesson you have learned by playing Young C?

HUDSON: Make good decisions and listen to the people you love.

LEVI: “The choices we make will shape our lives forever!” I think about that quote literally every day and every time I have to choose right from wrong.

What has been one of your favorite memories from A Bronx Tale so far?

HUDSON: Opening night! Everyone was so happy and it was great to see.

LEVI: My very first moment I stepped onto the Longacre stage. I’m so grateful for this opportunity.

What do you think is the biggest challenge of being a kid on Broadway?

HUDSON: Managing a tough schedule.

LEVI: Making sure I keep up with my school work.

If you could get any celebrity to come see the show, who would it be?

HUDSON: No doubt, Sutton Foster.

LEVI: Emma Watson! No doubt! EMMA WATSON!!!

What is the best part about being on Broadway?

HUDSON: All of it, especially the people performing.

LEVI: Doing what I love with the people I love!

If you could be stuck in an elevator with any Broadway star, who would it be?

HUDSON: Not to overdo it, but Sutton Foster.

LEVI: Ethan Slater! It would be so fun to dance, sing and laugh together.

What are your dream roles?

HUDSON: Jean Valjean, (first male) Matilda, Jack Kelly, and Fiero.

LEVI: SPONGE BOB! Shhhhhh. Don’t tell Ethan.

When I’m not performing, you can usually find me…

HUDSON: Playing sports (baseball, basketball), reading, or hanging out with friends.

LEVI: Climbing a tree, dancing or reading Harry Potter.

Do you have a favorite Broadway show?

HUDSON: Kinky Boots.

LEVI: Newsies! But recently I saw Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and fell in love with it!

If you could swap roles for a day with someone else in the show who would you pick?

HUDSON: Nick Cordero to play Sonny.

LEVI: Gilbert Bailey (ensemble). It’s such a fun role.

What do you love most about NYC?

HUDSON: The energy and liveliness.

LEVI: I love that there is PIZZA on every corner.

Can you show us your favorite emoji?

Bronx Tale Kids Emojis

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