When it came “My Way,” I had “High Hopes” about seeing Our Sinatra, “The Second Time Around” for me, having a chance to re-view and review the revue that’s been performed “Time After Time” in several venues in “New York, New York” and around the country. It’s still “A Lovely Way to Spend an Evening” with original co-creator/ co-star, the  suave singer Christopher Gines joined by disarmingly refreshing Harmony Keeney and bright-eyed, bright-voiced Eliot Roth (who is also on piano) and Paul Gill on bass, who is able but might be used more prominently. Songs reach “All the Way” back to Frank Sinatra’s earliest records and include standards that will last “From Here to Eternity."

Only some renditions manage to capture the “Witchcraff” he did so well: creating real intimacy with the listener, as if the singer is living the song with in-the-moment phrasing exploding with joy or heartbreak.  Personal investment seems to vary greatly. Depending on he song, it's somewhere between “All or Nothing at All.”

Yes, all the quoted song titles are in this show, some crammed into the mega-medley. There’s a lot to enjoy, and some fine, fine singing and playing, but with its mostly formal approach it misses some of the joie de vivre and irreverence that were important parts of Sinatra. It sometimes strains to be cute or funny in its narration and coy boy-girl flirtations. Finally, in the second half, the three singers break out of the imposed posing and “host duties” and get personal, explaining their musical backgrounds and early acquaintance with Sinatra music. A few more well-chosen anecdotes might help add valuable flavor.

The opening is classy and elegant, simple but effective, as bits of Sinatra songs are heard as if musical memories were flying through the air. The singers and bassist appear in formal wear and approach their audience and material politely initially, an obvious eagerness to please and respect the classic songs. They present some rather than get inside them. Highlights include Christopher’s restrained but powerful “Ol’ Man River,” Eliot’s jazzy and juicy “Oh, Look at Me Now,” and Harmony’s committed and intense “I’m a Fool to Want You.” Best of all are two group numbers near the end with achingly beautiful harmonizing on “Put Your Dreams Away” and “I’ll Never Smile Again,” drenched with period feel and sugar-free sweetness. 

Our Sinatra is set for an open run with eight performances a week.  Richard Maltby, Jr. is credited as Production Supervisor.  At the Songbook Theatre in the brand new multi-room cabaret complex Broadway Baby (Broadway Comedy Club), at 318 West 53^rd Street.   See www.BroadwayBabyBistro.com for schedule.  Pricier than most cabaret shows, it’s also longer:  a full two-act evening, and though waitress-served food and drink are available for purchase, there is no minimum. The club’s official opening will be December 20 with BJ Crosby and Darius de Haas.      

Rob Lester
Cabaret Scenes
December 3, 2007
www.cabaretscenes.com