The Aldwych Theatre in London's West End is currently hosting Sinatra The Musical. As the house lights went down on a balmy mid-October evening, almost all of the seats - stalls, dress circle and grand circle - were occupied.
We were there to relive the story of Frank Sinatra, to 'relive the story' as there couldn't have been many in the audience who didn't have a fair grasp of the life and times of Francis Albert Sinatra.
Taking on the role of Sinatra must be a daunting prospect. Step forward Joel Harper-Jackson. Throughout the production (two hours with an interval) the man would dominate almost every scene. The supporting cast and orchestra would more than play their part.
The on-stage band was of 'West End' calibre. The published line-up (subject to theatreland deps) included pianist Rob Barron, trumpeter Simon Gardner (Frank, Ella, Wynton etc), in the reeds Jay Craig and Martin Williams. Not too shabby...
A frequent change of stage sets saw Sinatra in domestic settings (Nancy, Tina and Ava) and studio/publicist/record company offices, alongside 'on-stage' set piece song and dance routines, Harper-Jackson holding his own with an accompanying dance troupe.
Domestic bliss (Nancy and Tina), domestic discord (Ava Gardner) featured prominently throughout, perhaps leaving some in the auditorium anticipating the next song. And what of Joel Harper-Jackson singing Sinatra? How would he approach the role? At times sounding uncannily like the man, the star of the show sang it his way, and good for him.
Sinatra's 'Best Supporting Actor' Academy Award-winning part in From Here to Eternity reminded us of the man's world-wide fame. Mob connections were briefly mentioned, best not to dwell...
From exiting his Columbia recording contract to the career-defining Capitol years, the song selection (including That's Life; One for My Baby; I've Got the World on a String) was, inevitably, but a fraction of Sinatra's recorded output. The narrative - from the early years in Hoboken, New Jersey to Capitol/Nelson Riddle/Hollywood fame and fortune - effectively didn't go much beyond the late 50s. No Rat Pack shenanigans, no Sinatra at the Sands with the Basie Band, the show closing with an ageless Joel Harper-Jackson in full-on My Way-period Sinatra.
As a night out in London's West End, you could say it was Ring-a-Ding-Ding!
Cast principals: Joel Harper-Jackson (Frank Sinatra); Ana Villafañe (Ava Gardner); Phoebe Panaretos (Nancy Sinatra)
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