As I child, I would sit at my grandparents’ kitchen table and watch my grandfather’s expression change whenever Frank Sinatra came on the radio. A smile would stretch across my beloved grandfather’s face, as he closed his eyes and tapped his hand against the tabletop while humming along to one of Sinatra’s classics. This memory crept back into my head the moment I heard the first few notes of “Strangers in the Night,” the opening number to My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra, now playing at Infinity Theatre Company.
Alan Ostroff, Anna Roberts Ostroff, Joseph Dellger, and Mary Jo Mecca in My Way... (Photo: Nancy Anderson Cordell)
Four actors from this New York-based theatre company (Joseph Dellger, Mary Jo Mecca, Alan Ostroff, and nna Roberts Ostroff) present this revue of Frank Sinatra’s best-known hits in the style of the great lounge acts of the 1950’s and 60’s. A three-piece band sits atop wide turquoise steps, and Set Designer Caite Hevner places the name “Sinatra” in curvy, bright yellow letters that stand at least 8 feet high. Every aspect of this show is reminiscent of the days of Frank himself, even down to the classic white tuxedo jackets with black bow ties that the male actors wear.
David Grapes and Todd Olson, the creators of My Way, cleverly group together more than 50 of Sinatra’s timeless hits into categories such as the “Favorites Medley,” the “Love and Marriage Medley,” and the “Big Flirt Medley.” In many ways, the songs seem to be grouped as if the older couple (Dellger and Mecca) is using Sinatra’s music to give the younger couple (the Ostroffs) advice on the complexities of life. Each song flows flawlessly into the next, and it’s difficult to wait until the end of a medley to applaud! In between each medley, the actors give information about the life of Frank Sinatra, making this a production that is not only entertaining – but also educational.
Real-life husband and wife Alan and Anna Roberts Ostroff are as charming as they are talented. Alan has a rich voice, and his comedic timing is excellent. Beautiful Anna has a uniquely lovely voice, which is showcased beautifully during her portion of “It Was a Very Good Year.” Mary Jo Mecca reminds me of Patti LuPone not only in her appearance – but also in her stage presence and the amount of heart she puts into her musical numbers, especially “My Funny Valentine” (no pun intended). Mecca is able to quickly merge from heartfelt to sensual and sassy for songs like “L.A. is My Lady.”
While all of the performers are talented, this show could have been written for Joseph Dellger. Channeling Sinatra in every move that he makes, Dellger is absolute perfection in this show. He hooks the audience early on with his rendition of “New York, New York,” and he takes command of the entire stage during “That’s Life.” Even the way he leans on the piano as he sings – makes the audience question whether or not they are watching a reincarnation of the ‘Chairman of the Board’ himself.
Director Matthew Schneider and Associate Choreographer Bree Branker perfectly position the actors and provide simple yet meaningful choreography throughout the show. While the set never changes, Lighting Designer Anshuman Bhatia is able to alter the mood on stage through his choice of colors, often creating spectacular silhouettes of the actors. Costume Designer Lux Haac dresses the men as though they are actually part of the ‘Rat Pack’ in swanky tuxedos, while the women are dressed elegantly. Haac cleverly clothes young Anna in a more youthful short dress during the first act, as she sings about first falling in love and getting married, but she dons a chic and shimmering gown in the second act, as her songs become more serious and introspective. Musicians David Libby, Stephen Palko, and Gary Tillman play splendidly and never overpower the actors’ voices.
According to one of the performers, Frank Sinatra’s favorite toast was “May you live to be 100, and may the last voice you hear be mine.” While you can no longer hear Sinatra perform live, I recommend that you make your way to see My Way.
My Way: A Tribute to Frank Sinatra runs through July 10th at Infinity Theatre Company at Children’s Theatre of Annapolis, 1661 Bay Head Road, in Annapolis, MD. To order tickets, call (877) 501-8499, or order them online. The running time is 90 minutes plus a 15-minute intermission.
