Theatre By The Sea opens with Sinatra tribute

From “Nice and Easy” to “Fly Me to the Moon”, four talented singer/dancers, backed by a three-piece combo pay musical tribute to Frank Sinatra in this fast-paced, upbeat, musical review that opens Theatre-by-the-Sea’s 90th season.

“My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra” covers five decades of Sinatra’s music and includes all of his greatest hits.

Four performers sing and dance their way through more than fifty classics under the direction of pianist/conductor Milton Granger.

Greg Santos directs the choreography, which at times overwhelms the singing and appreciation of the lyrics.

The unheralded star of the show is scenic designer Kyle Dixon who has turned the TBTS stage into an elegant piano bar that matches any hotel or casino in the country.

This is not a “tribute band” type of show, but rather four singers performing Sinatra’s songs in their own style.

At times, the dancing and volume seemed to overwhelm the lyrics and could stand a little tuning down, but when they were presented in a more subtle rendition, they were right on the mark.

Leading the pack is Mississippi native Christopher Brasfield, who has performed in “Smoky Joe’s Café” at Bill Hanney’s North Shore Music Theatre.

Brasfield has that smooth approach to Sinatra’s music, getting the loudest response to “One for My Baby and One More for the Road”, sitting on a stool, leaning on Granger’s piano with a drink in one hand and cigarette in the other.

”My Way” continues at TBTS through June 11, followed by another tribute musical, this time  The Carole King Musical, “Beautiful”, June 14 to July 8. Call 782-8587 for reservations.