Sinatra the Musical
Aldwych Theatre
currently booking until 10th April 2027
Start Spreading the News – Sinatra is in town.
Frank Sinatra; heartthrob of the 1940s and 50s, known for his blue eyes, roguish charm and silky vocals. It is not surprising that a musical has been written about his life story, what is remarkable is that it took almost 30 years after his death to do so.
Sinatra and the songs he recorded do have eternal charm, unfortunately his personal life wasn’t as smooth as his voice. Joe DiPietto’s book takes us from a young Sinatra happily married and just about to break into the big time, through the trials and temptations of Hollywood life leading to his career downfall and then to his eventual comeback.
The show is jam packed with Sinatra hits accompanied by a huge onstage brass band giving the songs plenty of pizzazz, if you go for the music, you are in for an absolute treat. Sinatra the Musical is sublime nostalgia. Unfortunately, the story itself is very flat, focusing on Frank’s relationship with Nancy Barbato and Ava Gardener, his first two wives. Other aspects of his life such as perceived links to the Italian Mafia, his political leanings and The Rat Pack are hinted to with throw away comments or simply not mentioned at all. Running at 2 hours and 45 mins minutes the show takes a long time to say that Frank had relationship problems. Thank you for the music.
I saw understudy Sam Brown play Ol’ Blue Eyes, he crooned beautifully with flawless diction and a resonating sound. It is a song heavy show and although other cast members have parts to play it is the actor playing Frank that does all the heavy lifting and Brown does admirably. Jenna Russell stands out as Frank’s mother Dolly, stealing every scene she is in, which is not many. With only one song, ‘You make me feel so young’, spectacularly performed with Marty McGuire, she is woefully underused.
This show is highly recommended for those who like Sinatra’s music, but if are looking for something with any sustenance, go and see a show that is not based on any artist(s), they all have the same plot. Star breaks out then has career wobbles due to the pressure, star recovers for a big finale number. It is all a bit formulaic.
Reviewer: Sammi O’Neill
⭐⭐
Nordoff & Robbins
The Gala performance I was invited to was to raise awareness for the Nordoff and Robbins School of Music Therapy charity.
Nordoff and Robbins do amazing work bringing music to those in need. Take a look at their website to find out more.
Producers, Michele Anthony and Bruce Resnikoff said: ‘We are absolutely thrilled to present a special gala performance of Sinatra the Musical on 15 October. The timeless music of Frank Sinatra continues to inspire and uplift audiences around the world, and it is a privilege to celebrate his legacy while supporting the incredible work of Nordoff and Robbins. Music has the power to transform lives, and partnering with such a dedicated charity makes this event even more meaningful for us all.”
Cast
Joel Harper-Jackson as Frank Sinatra, Sam Brown seen on review night.
Ana Villafañe as Ava Gardner
Phoebe Panaretos as Nancy Sinatra
Jenna Russell as Dolly Sinatra
Oliver Adam-Reynolds, Becky Anderson, Carl Au, Sam Brown, Helen Colby, Emma Crossley, Adam Davidson, Alexander Day, Christopher GoPaul, Stuart Hickey, Jenna Innes, Marty Maguire, Mia Musakembeva, Melissa Nettleford, Samuel Nicholas, Nardia Ruth, Christina Shand, John Stacey, Allana Taylor and Lee Zarrett.
Sylvie Regan (seen on review night), Mia Savident and Felicity Walton share the role of Little Nancy.