By Andrew Poretz***Pianist and musical archivist Michael Lavine’s Once in a Lifetime: A Sammy Jr. Centennial, celebrated the late entertainer on the eve of his 100th birthday at a sold-out 54 Below. Davis, who died in 1990 at age 64, was a singer, dancer, musician, actor and impressionist whose career began at age four, working in a trio with his father Sammy Davis Sr., and his godfather, Will 
Mastin. Lavine was joined by bassist Michael O’Brien, drummer Daniel Glass and a cast of Broadway and cabaret stars. Video tributes from Melissa Manchester, the 101-year-old lyricist Lee Adams, and Freda Payne, were woven throughout. Lavine served as host and musical director. The show was written and produced by Joe Marchese and Andy Skurow.
After a video montage, Broadway star T. Oliver Reid opened the show with “Once in a Lifetime” (Anthony Newley, Leslie Bricusse), making his his way to the stage. His dynamic rendition and soaring voice made for a thrilling start. From his banquette seat, the legendary Ben Vereen spoke about his relationship with Davis—then surprised the audience by calling Liza Minnelli on his cell phone and patching her into the sound system. Minelli shared a warm, funny story about Frank Sinatra and Davis, and even sang a few notes before Vereen ended the call. He followed with a brief a cappella line of “I’ve Gotta Be Me” (Walter Marks).
Michael-Demby Cain performed “Too Close for Comfort” (Jerry Bock, Larry Holofcener, George David Weiss), a jazzy Davis hit from the 1961 Broadway musical, Mr. Wonderful, which was written to showcase Davis’ talent. Cain’s version was close to the original, also including the obscure opening verse.
Composer-performer Rupert Holmes, best known for “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” and the Tony-winning The Mystery of Edwin Drood, delivered a deep-dive moment, recounting Davis’ breakout at Ciro’s nightclub in Hollywood and his groundbreaking role as the first Black performer to impersonate white celebrities, such as Frank Sinatra and Humphrey Bogart. Holmes sang the song Davis had just been hired to record: the title song for 1955’s Six Bridges to Cross (Henry Mancini, Jeff Chandler), when a car accident on his way to the recording studio cost him his left eye.
Rising cabaret star Ava Nicole Frances was spectacular on “I’m Not Anyone” (Paul Anka, Johnny Harris), transforming the ballad into a powerful anthem. Though Lee Roy Reams was 
sidelined by laryngitis, he shared vivid stories of working with Davis. Eric Jordan Young declared, “I’m not going to talk. I just want to sing!” With his rich, mellifluous baritone “Night Song” (Charles Strouse, Lee Adam) ended with a stunning finish.
The performer closest in spirit to Davis was Nicolas King: both rhythm-driven dynamos who began performing before age five. King, mentored by Liza Minnelli, shared Davis’ sage, pre-show advice: “Go out there and f– them up!” His electrifying performance of Porgy and Bess‘ “There’s a Boat Dat’s Leavin’ Soon for New York” (George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin, DuBose Heyward ) was one of the night’s biggest highlights. Actor Marc Kudisch delivered a soulful, solo guitar version of “The Birth of the Blues” (Ray Henderson, B.G. DeSylva, Lew Brown) with a simple, honest approach, recalling Frankie Laine. Jerry Dixon followed with a strong “I’ve Gotta Be Me” (Walter Marks).
Comedian-actor-singer Mario Cantone provided comic relief with a hilarious 
story from his children’s TV show “Steampipe Alley” (1988-1993), wherein he portrayed “Sammy Sammy Jr.” in a parody called Find Sammy’s Eye in the Pie. Mortified when he learned he’d be performing with Davis, he was relieved to learn Davis was fine with the skit. Cantone then brought the house down with “I’m Gonna Live Till I Die” (Al Hoffman, Walter Kent, Manny Curtis).
Octogenarian Sondra “Blinky” Williams, who recorded the theme to “Good Times” and who worked with Davis for nine years, shared a moving story of their first meeting, then delivered a breathtaking “God Bless the Child” (Billie Holiday, Arthur Herzog Jr.), accompanying herself on piano. Her performance earned a well-deserved standing ovation. Eric Jordan Young returned with a deeply-felt “Mr. Bojangles” (Jerry Jeff Walker), which channeled the Davis version in tone and style. His physicality and acting brought the character to life, and his overall delivery of this iconic piece made it another show highlight.
Actor Keith David followed with an intimate, exquisitely sung “What Kind of Fool Am I?” (Leslie Bricusse, Anthony Newley), imbuing every word with lived-in wisdom. The evening concluded with the ensemble performing “Candy Man” (Leslie Bricusse, Anthony Newley) for a fitting finale.
Photos by Andrew Poretz
