The flurry of the fall season brought San Diego theatergoers many tribute shows.
Add to these fascinating tributes yet another, Welk Resort Theatre’s “My Way, a Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra.” This one, playing through Nov. 12 (www.welktheatre.com or 888-802-7469), is slickly staged and choreographed by Nick DeGruccio, with excellent production values, including music direction by Justin Gray and flawless sound design by Patrick Hoyny.
Though no one impersonates Old Blue Eyes per se, his presence permeates the production along with a gazillion songs (OK, nearly 60) that he sang. Some are performed in part in medleys. Others receive full treatment. As is said somewhere in Todd Olson’s book, Sinatra defined an era, and oh, what an era it was.
The attractive performers are Katy Blake, Tami Tappan Damiano, Kevin Earley and Damon Kirsche. Gray is ever-present and reliable on the baby grand and is given stalwart support by bass Ted Hughart and drummer Mike Masessa. Early has a full, ringing baritone and could be my Billy Bigelow any time. Juilliard trained and it shows, Kirsche uses his higher, lighter voice excellently. When either sings, it’s easy listening. Adept musically as well, the women are lovely to look at in Carlotta Malone’s glittering eveningwear.
There’s little dialogue to impede the flow of songs, among them “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “I Only Have Eyes for You” and “I’ve got the World on a String,” and that’s just the “I’s” ” which lead up to a whiz-bang ending on “I Did it My Way.” Nothing else would do. The show clocks in at a mere 90 minutes, every moment enjoyable.
At the Sept. 21 matinee, three big tour buses were parked outside the theater, the Red Hat ladies lunched, and the single ticket-buyers seated nearby at tables hailed from Palm Desert, Pasadena and Rancho Bernardo. Welk’s productions are much improved over the past decade. If something could be done to alleviate the traffic flow at the buffet tables, the entire package would be even more attractive. The buffet, however, is not a mandatory experience.
Next up is the 12th annual “Welk Musical Christmas,” Nov. 16 through Dec. 31 at 8860 Lawrence Welk Drive, Escondido.
