Talented performances bring a sedate script to life
Closely supervised by his youngest daughter Tina, Sinatra The Musical follows the tumultuous life of legendary crooner Frank Sinatra. The story begins once ‘Sinatramania’ had already taken hold, with hordes of screaming women being pulled off Sinatra as he sings.
This is one of the highest points of Sinatra’s career that the show covers, with most of the production following his alcoholism, adultery and general failures. Despite being considered one of the most influential entertainers of the 20th century, this portrayal focuses heavily on his career slump rather than his successes.
The show follows his two self-inflicted marriage breakdowns and his struggles to revive his career, and ends on his Oscar win and the beginning of his famed partnership with Nelson Riddle. As most of his biggest hits occur after this, it seems a strange place to begin the curtain calls. The choice to leave his biggest hit New York, New York, to a cheesy ensemble number at the end, and to completely omit the equally iconic Somethin’ Stupid, accompanies the seemingly random placement of songs throughout.
The book goes briefly into Sinatra’s political views and important work in desegregating spaces by boycotting white-only venues. Sadly fellow Rat Pack member Judy Garland is demoted to a Sinatra groupie rather than an integral part of this work. Similarly, it’s hard to ignore the irony of Brown’s defiant Sinatra insisting on protecting his black ensemble members, backed by the score played by a predominately white orchestra on stage.
After stepping away from the production due to calf injury, Joel Harper-Jackson has been replaced by Sam Brown, who takes on the mammoth role of almost 3 hours almost always onstage. He does an exemplary job, accompanied by a fabulous ensemble.
His three leading ladies are the real heroes of this production, headed up by Phoebe Panaretos as his jilted wife Nancy. Panaretos perfectly captures the admirable strength of Nancy, with accompanying sonorous vocals and touching chemistry with her daughter little Nancy (Sylvie Regan).
Jenna Russell plays Sinatra’s scene-stealing mother Dolly, pulling out some unexpected vocals to go with her comedy chops. Despite Joe DiPietro’s book being relatively lacklustre, cast performances and iconic songs create a thoroughly enjoyable evening of entertainment.
The gala night of Sinatra The Musical supported the music therapy charity Nordoff and Robbins, who have used music therapy for more than 60 years to reach people across the UK. The production runs until 10 April 2027 at the Aldwych Theatre. Tickets here.