Scott Siegel Celebrates His Birthday with a Rousing Sinatra-Fest at 54 Below

By Marilyn Lester***With literally hundreds of productions under his belt, the name Scott Siegel can be handily paired with any number of terrific show mountings, including Broadway By the Year, Broadway’s Rising Stars, Broadway’s Greatest Hits and more. But how wonderful to have the icon Frank Sinatra, of the ongoing Siegel creation Frank Sinatra – The Second Century as the platform for a very special birthday celebration, A Celebration of Sinatra’s Timeless Hit Songs! Such was the occasion on September 29 at 54 Below when a hand-picked cast of prime performers honored both Ol’ Blue Eyes and Siegel, who as always, produced, directed, wrote and acted as host. And in this last capacity, he never fails to set up material with amazing tidbits of information in just the right quantity.

Since most well thought-out shows start off with a strong start, that spot went to Tony-nominee, Willy Falk, whose flexible and rich tenor and interpretive abilities transform any song he sings to a high level. In this case it was a beautifully-arranged (Ron Abel) “All the Way” (Jimmy Van Huesen, Sammy Cahn). Falk can also be relied on for wit and eloquence in narrative, and his short tribute to the birthday man-of-the-hour Siegel, was just that, setting the tone for others to later offer their own respects to Siegel. Going from strength to strength, next up was one of the most impressive jazz singers on the scene today, Gabrielle Stravelli, who conquered the blues with “Blues in the Night” (Harold Arlen, Johnny Mercer).

Siegel had promised a surprise guest, and he appeared with his own music director, the very talented jazz pianist, Joe Davidian. And so Tony Danza, who’d been appearing in the 7 PM slot at 54 Below, graciously stayed on to offer a super-subdued balladic “You Go to My Head” (J. Fred Coots, Haven Gillespie), and on the opposite side of the coin, a super-swinging “Everything Happens” (Tom Adair, Matt Denis), delivered with cool-cat pizzazz.

Of the many highlights of this birthday edition of Frank Sinatra – The Second Century, especial standouts included the precociously, stunningly talented Anaïs Reno, who from her early teen years established vocal capabilities mature beyond her age. With “Tangerine” (Victor Schertzinger, Johnny Mercer), Reno seemed particularly confident, free and expressive. Kudos to her for her respect of those whose shoulders she stands upon and her dedication to giving credits to songs she performs. The impossibly talented triple-threat Danny Gardner, a true song-and dance man, performed (with tap, of course) an energetic and charming “I’ve Got the World on a String” (Harold Arlen, Ted Koehler). The closer arrived with Stephen DeRosa, who with humor and showmanship, let loose with a big finish rendition of “That’s Life” (Dean Kay, Kelly Gordon).

Other performers giving their all were Christopher Brian and Sophie Rapeijko (who later performed Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh’s “Witchcraft) offering a charming duet on “Something Stupid” (C. Carson Parks), Stella Katherine Cole with an evocative “My Foolish Heart” (Victor Young, Ned Washington), Willie Demyan dramatically singing “I’m a Fool to Want You” (Frank Sinatra, Jack Wolf, Joel Herron), Sinatra “imitator” Pete Caldera with “In the Still of the Night” (Fred Parris), and two gentlemen of expressive animation, Ben Jones, singing “I Wanna Be Around” (Sadie Vimmerstedt, Johnny Mercer) and Michael Winther with “I’m Gonna Live Until I Die” (Clay Walker).

Accompanying all performers (except Danza) was the aptly-named music director Ron Abel. His musicality, artistry and arranging skills are generally off the charts and this outing was no exception.