When “A Bronx Tale, the Musical” opens at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center in Deal on Oct. 29, Sayreville native Michael Ferlita will take on the role of Calogero. Ferlita, who was part of the 20th anniversary tour of the musical “Rent,” is a 2012 graduate of Sayreville War Memorial High School. He credits the opportunities he had in school productions for much of his success.

During his four years of high school, Ferlita had lead roles in “No, No, Nanette,” “Les Miserables,” “Grease” and “Jekyll & Hyde.” He is grateful for the guidance of music teacher James Craft, director Dr. Michael Piccuirro and choreographer Tara Cook. “I would be nowhere without the three of them,” he said Craft, who has taught music and theater at Sayreville War Memorial High School for nearly 30 years, remembers Ferlita well.