The musical charts the more difficult year’s of Frank Sinatra’s career and personal life to glamorous effect – but could have gone into a bit more depth into his background and what made him the person he was.
This charming and elegantly put together homage to Frank Sinatra is filled with many of his classic songs and focuses on the time in his career in the late 1940’s and 50’s in which his career and personal life took a slight downturn.
With a book by Joe DiPietro, Sinatra the Musical really makes the most of every opportunity to put as many classic songs as possible (although it is slightly disappointing we don’t get a full rendition of ‘My Way’ – which would have been appropriate given when Sinatra is in his story when it is fleetingly performed) that seem to fit in with the story being told.
However, there isn’t as much depth and emotional core as you would expect in terms of the book – although the excellent cast do well with the characters that they are given. We see flashes of Sinatra’s temper, passion and pride (particularly in regards to his anti immigrant discrimination stance and progressive views) but we don’t get to understand really how he has got to where he was when we begin the show. Perhaps going in with a bit of knowledge is recommended, particularly when scenes seem to whirl past. The sense that it doesn’t want to lean into the darkness of his character (although references to his links to the Mafia are subtly put in on occasion) is a little bit of shame – because it would highlight even further how music was an important part in sharing his emotions with the world and how he saw the world.
His relationships with the main women in his life, his first wife Nancy and the developing relationship that he had with Ava Gardener are really highlighted here. Both characters have been extremely well written here and you really get to understand the complexity of their relationship with Sinatra.
This being said, there is no denying that the show has been exquisitely directed by Kathleen Marshall (her production of Anything Goes if it comes back is also worth checking out). There is such a timelessness to the way in which she directs and choreographs – here the choreography to ‘Come Fly With Me’ is wonderfully playful and unexpected for example.
Visually, Sinatra the Musical is a real treat as well. Peter Mckintosh’s lavish set design conveys the era well, complemented by Jon Morrell’s costume designs that are sleek and elegant. Elsewhere credit should also be given to the sound design by Jonathan Deans which is crystal clear throughout and sets the tone perfectly as does Akhila Krishnan’s video design.
The cast are also a real treat to watch throughout. At the centre of it all, you can tell that Joel Harper-Jackson has really done his research on Sinatra to get the tone of the vocals just pitch perfect – he really is extraordinary to listen to. Right down to Sinatra’s mannerisms it is a really fully detailed performance that is enthralling to watch.
It is pleasing to see the female characters really making a strong impact on the show to. It is hard to resist Phoebe Panaretos as Nancy Sinatra who genuinely loves him through thick and thin – until his growing relationship with Ava drives a wedge between them. Panaretos offers a no-nonsense approach and you genuinely feel her pain at the changing state of her relationship with the man that she loves. Ana Villafañe as Ava Gardner offers plenty of passion and diva type behaviour – the scene in which she confesses she has had an abortion and her reasons why is one that has the most impact. Helen Colby as Dolly Sinatra has some of the best lines of the show and delivers with exquisite perfection.
Overall, while the book needs a little more attention to add more depth, Sinatra is still an enjoyable and entertaining evening out – particularly when it climaxes with a rendition of ‘Theme New York, New York’ that leaves everybody on a high.
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Sinatra the Musical continues to play at the Aldwych Theatre. To book tickets click here.