Come Fly Away
to the vocals of Frank Sinatra
conceived, choreographed & directed by Twyla Tharp
Pantages Theatre
through November 6
For those ardent fans of Frank Sinatra, Come Fly Away is a must see. For dance fans who can't wait to watch Dancing with the Stars every week on TV, here's your chance to get out of that armchair and go see some exciting dancing up close, on a real live stage. Plus there's a big band center stage playing along with Sinatra's recorded vocals so that big brassy sound can be savored live. At the Pantages through November 6 only, yes indeed, Come Fly Away is bound to enchant music and dance lovers of all ages.
At the top of the 75-minute show, several of the dance numbers seem to copy each other and it made me question if I was going to witness any variety in style. It doesn't take long before things pick up with a vengeance. Your eyes will become fixed on not one, not two, not three... but four dance couples - all different in size, shape and with varying degrees of skill, ranging from champion to magnificent. And what catches the attention more than the great intensity of drive and skill is that there's a kind of thematic competition of guy pursuing gal, or vice versa - a kind of ode to sexual attraction and romantic coupling, so inherent, so naturally a part of the music of Mr. Sinatra. Sid (Cody Green) and Babe (Mederdith Miles) - two great dancers - come together, as do Betsy (Ramona Kelley) and Marty (Christoper Vo). Vo and Kelley are so charming, awkward at first as in a very first date, but then a next to perfect blending. Then there are Chanos (Matthew Stockwell Dibble) and Slim (Marielys Molina), not to mention Kate (Ashley Blair Fitzgeraled) and Hank (Anthony Burrell) and a half dozen other members of the ensemble! Things start to really cook, as it becomes a feast for the eyes as well as the ears. Highlights of Sinatra's songs include: "Luck Be a Lady", "Fly Me to the Moon", "You Make Me Feel So Young", "Witchcraft", "That's Life", "Saturday Night Is the Loneliest Night of the Week", "Pick Yourself Up", "Teach Me Tonight", "Let's Face the Music and Dance", "One For My Baby", and of course, "My Way" and "New York, New York". This tour version is presented in one act, but I understand the Broadway show was in two acts replete with a half dozen or so more tunes. This tour package seems ideally suited to Vegas, as the show is slick, smooth entertainment-no thinking required, just sit back, listen, watch and enjoy!
Twyla Tharp's Movin' On to the music of Billy Joel remains my favorite of her dance shows, but I did enjoy this one. In short, Sinatra buffs will love the songs; dance aficionados, the dances, and for those young ones unaccustomed to the Chairman of the Board, this is a wonderful opportunity to get acquainted with his smooth, mellow stylings. Come Fly Away until November 6 only!
