Like many in their teenage years who are not always in tune with their parents, Cary Hoffman sought out a role model in the popular culture. Some chose heroes like John Wayne or Hum-phrey Bogart; Hoffman picked Frank Sinatra.

Hoffman never abandoned his boyhood obsession. Successful as a songwriter, producer, playwright, personal manager and former owner of Stand–Up NY, he nevertheless wanted to be Sinatra. After a PBS special and eight-year worldwide tour singing Sinatra songs with a full orchestra behind him, Hoffman returned to New York and a more intimate venue. He performed for several nights accompanied by Tex Arnold, widely known as Margaret Whiting’s accompanist for many years.

Entitled My Sinatra: A Musical About Obsession, his show chronicles his family life, which included a musician uncle who encouraged him, early experience as a singer and an arranged meeting with Sinatra himself. Hoffman is funny and engaging, and his delivery and singing voice bear an uncanny resemblance to that of his idol.

With the inspired backing of Tex Arnold and pre-recorded orchestral music, he delivers many songs from the Sinatra catalog, from “All of Me” to “Witchcraft.” Cary Hoffman may not be a true saloon singer yet, but the show is entertaining, if only too long.

Jerry Osterberg
Cabaret Scenes
November 24, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org