Just Jenna is just fine when it comes to putting across a song. Delivering a Connie Francis tribute that flashes right back to those happy days, Jenna Esposito brings along some versatile old-time rock 'n' roll musicians with two backup singers. Their opening trio of Francis mega hits—"V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N," "Stupid Cupid," and the career igniter, "Who's Sorry Now?"—fire up the evening. Sporting a '50s-style hairstyle and dress, Esposito is as perky as a poodle skirt.

In Jenna Esposito Sings Connie Francis, the sweetheart of the 1950s songbook, Esposito's early patter relates a quick bio of Constance Franconero, who plugged on fruitlessly for several years before her father presented her with the sheet music of Snyder, Kalmar and Ruby's "Who's Sorry Now?" Written in 1923, it seemed like an unlikely choice for the hep '50s, but backed by the familiar triplet vamp, Esposito replicated that first blockbuster.

Esposito has a blockbuster belt of her own that adds combustion to many of Francis' recordings, particularly the show's strong rockin' close with Hy Heath's "Send for My Baby." Her dramatic voltage lets her sink into ballads like "My First Real Love" (Darin/Kirschner), dedicated to Francis' star-crossed love, Bobby Darin, and "My Happiness" (Peterson/Bergantine), for her son. Francis's father/manager also advised her to record some favorite Italian standards that she infused with great emotion, particularly "Mama." Keeping the song's unabashed melodrama in mind, Esposito tears her heart out but sans the Francis famed sobs.

Connie Francis other trademark sound was harmonizing with herself. For Esposito's show, she brings in sister, Kelly Esposito Broelmann and Rob Langeder on backup vocals.

One drawback: It takes awhile to discern if Esposito likes Connie Francis or if this just a time capsule. It is later in the show that Esposito reveals that she started out doing a tribute but ended up a fan. Her story about seeing Francis live, collecting C.F. memorabilia, and later receiving a call from the star, is touching and adds the necessary personal touch.

With his special flair for period shows, director Lennie Watts brought in bundles of familiar tunes for a good-time program. The quintet led by Esposito's father, music director/arranger/guitarist Fortune Esposito, includes Brian Broelmann (tenor sax, flute, mandolin, ukulele), bassist Michael Blanco, Brian DeWitt on drums, and pianist David Crone.

If heart and soul, and some impressive vocal chops, is your thing, Jenna Esposito Sings Connie Francis is your show.

Jenna Esposito Sings Connie Francis continues at the Metropolitan Room from June 30, July 7 & 14.

Elizabeth Ahlfors
Cabaret Scenes
June 23, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org