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| Lauren Gire. Photo by Anne Hudson |
We’re talking a generational thing
here, perhaps two generations. There are those who grew up with Old Blue Eyes
as a classic crooner (derisively referred to as the “Skinny Ginney” by
servicemen serving overseas during World War II while he made young women swoon
at home), and those who perhaps know him more as a member of the Rat Pack or as
an actor in such films as Von Ryan’s
Express and The Manchurian Candidate.
Then there are those who haven’t even considered the possibility of collecting
Social Security (aren’t even sure what it is) who might just say, “Frank who?”
Thus, you go to the Ivoryton Playhouse to see “My Way: A Musical Tribute to
Frank Sinatra” trailing your own history. Your response may well be dictated by
the memories evoked and the DOB on your driver’s license.
Given that this is a “tribute,” the
patter that serves as thin thread used to sew together the song segments is
light on introspection and analysis of Sinatra the man and his career. There’s
mention of his womanizing (in a nudge-nudge manner) and his drinking (Hey, boys
will be boys), but no mention of his connection to the Mob or his somewhat
physical relationship with the press (or at least the paparazzi). There is, at
the start of the second act (“Loser’s Medley), an allusion to the dark side of
the Sinatra soul, but “My Way” is not meant to be a Pinter drama, so you have
to take it for what it is, and what it is, basically, is an often adept staging
of many of the songs Sinatra made famous.
The songs are presented by four
very talented actors -- Rick Faugno, Lauren Gire, Josh Powell and Vanessa
Sonon. – who are charged with delivering
over 60 songs in the two-hour run. There’s an attempt by director Joyce
Chittick (wife of Faugano, who shares directing and choreographing credits) to
imply some type of relationship between the actors as characters, but it goes
no further than knowing nods and standard stage business interaction as songs
are delivered. That’s to be expected in what is essentially a musical revue.
However, there are moments that
break out of the mold, and oddly enough they have little to do with the Sinatra
legend. The dance routines, performed mainly by Faugno and Sonon (who has a
marvelous vocal range), are invigorating, and the interpretive dance done by
Sonon as Powell sings “It Was a Very Good Year” is inspired. Which brings us to
how Sonon is costumed as a Marilyn Monroe Kewpie Doll look-a-like through most
of the show – all I can say is kill the wig and cut down on some of the
make-up. Make-up and wig aside, Sonon sure can dance.
Given the number of songs in the
show, the preponderance of which is presented in the first act, reaction may be
dictated by which generation you fall into. For those who have been alive for
the length of Sinatra’s career, it may be a pleasant stroll down Memory Lane,
but for those who don’t have a visceral connection with the 40s, 50s or 60s,
the 30-plus songs in the first act may seem a bit overwhelming. At one point
early on in the show it is suggested that just about everyone can relate to one
of the songs – but that’s what “My Way” is banking on, that there’s an inherent
relation to “Summer Wind” or “One For My Baby” or “Somethin’ Stupid” or “That’s
Life” or “All the Way.” In essence, what you come away with is dictated by what
you went into the theater with. Know the songs, have the memories – well, then,
“My Way” will please beyond expectations. If you weren’t there, or didn’t
grapple and grope in the glow of the dashboard lights as Sinatra crooned, well,
it’s a nice if undemanding evening that will not resonate beyond the pleasure
of watching four talented actors sing lyrical songs (and occasionally dance up
a storm).
My Way runs through April 9. For tickets or more information
call 860-767-7318 or go to www.ivorytonplayhouse.org.
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