by Nicholas Andrian on Saturday, March 13, 2010 at 7:34pm
I took our 14-year-old niece to the Hunterdon Hills Dinner Theater today to see "Great American Songbook," a wonderful production of songs from the turn of the last century right through the rock 'n' roll era. Talented, energetic people (including some very good-looking women, always a plus) - singers and dancers - and top-notch musicians. Our niece, Cristina, is an aspiring singer and she enjoyed the show very much. I love exposing young kids to the great music produced by Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Johnny Mercer, and dozens of other icons of American music. Put the songs together with the legendary singers ...Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne, Peggy Lee, Jo Stafford, Doris Day, Rosemary Clooney, Kay Starr, June Christy, Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington (just to mention a few of the female greats); Nat Cole, Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis, Frankie Laine, Billy Eckstine, Al Hibbler, Brook Benton, Perry Como (on the distaff side)...and you have sheer joy. The songs tell a story that the average person can relate to, you feel as if you know the singers personally, and the melodies are intricate but recognizable. Listen to Sinatra sing "I've Got You Under My Skin;" Ella "The Lady Is a Tramp;" Billy Eckstine "I Apologize;" Rosemary Clooney "Hey There..." I could go on for days. Check my profile for some of these gems!