Theatre By the Sea Opens Season With ‘My Way’

WAKEFIELD, RI – Theatre By the Sea has launched its 90^th season with “My Way”, an affectionate and stylish tribute to the legendary Frank Sinatra, known as “Ol’ Blue Eyes” to his fans.

Sinatra was one of the most popular entertainers of the 1940s, 50s, and 60s. He sold millions of records and also enjoyed a successful career in motion pictures, starring in dramas such as “From Here to Eternity” and “The Manchurian Candidate.”

The setting for “My Way” is a posh Palm Beach nightclub where two men and two women sing 50 Sinatra classics in a series of medleys.

The two part Love and Marriage Medley features “The Tender Trap,” “The Same Old Song and Dance,” “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” and “The Lady is a Tramp.”

The Cities Medley is comprised of Sinatra’s songs about cities he loved, including “I Love Paris,” “My Kind of Town (Chicago Is),” and “L.A. is My Lady.”

Performers Danny Drewes, Christopher Brasfield, Alyssa Giannetti, and Lucy Horton are all skilled vocalists and have a sparkling chemistry on stage. Drewes was absolutely electric in his solos, including “I’ve Got the World on a String.”

Director/choreographer Greg Santos, who helmed last season’s smashing “Million Dollar Quartet,” succeeds at adapting these classic Sinatra tunes for modern audiences. This style of music may come across as dated but they were presented with tremendous exuberance and grace by the cast.

Highlights included “Fly Me to the Moon,” part of the Moon Medley; “My Funny Valentine” and “I Get a Kick Out of You” from the Broadway Medley, and a one-two punch of “Theme from New York, New York,” and “My Way.”

The latter two performances brought the opening crowd to their feet.

Kyle Dixon’s lush set design, Kelly Baker’s gorgeous costumes, and Katie Whittemore’s moody lighting made this an exceptionally good-looking show.

The music direction is by Milton Granger, with Mike Sartini on drums and Garrett Campbell on bass guitar.

Throughout the show, we learn about Sinatra the man. His romances with a long list of famous women, his love of performing, and his personal philosophies are all mentioned.

Sinatra has now been gone for 25 years, but his music and his legacy live on.

“My Way” is a must-see for devotees of the “Chairman of the Board” and will charm even those who are not familiar with Sinatra’s music.

My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra runs through June 11. Performances are scheduled for Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm, Thursdays at 2 pm, Saturdays at 3 p.m and Sundays at 5 p.m., with special performance times on Sunday, May 28 at 2 & 7 p.m. and a special added Wednesday matinee on June 7. The theatre is located at 364 Cards Pond Road, Wakefield, RI. Tickets for preview performances, Wednesday, May 24 and Thursday, May 25 are $62, and $65 – $88 for all other performances (additional fees may apply). Discount rates are available for groups of 10 or more by calling (401) 782-3800 x112. Tickets are on sale at the box office Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and performance days from 11 a.m. until curtain, (performance Sundays at noon until curtain), online 24-hours-a-day at www.theatrebythesea.com and via telephone during normal box office hours by calling (401) 782-TKTS (8587).