Theatre Review: Sinatra The Musical at the Birmingham Rep

AD: This Press Night Review refers to the 2023 Production of Sinatra The Musical at the Birmingham Rep*

The Birmingham Rep is getting quite the reputation for showcasing new original productions, with both Spitting Image: Idiots Assemble and The Way Old Friends Do getting West End transfers this year. And after being invited to the world premiere of Sinatra the Musical last night, I can confirm that this Birmingham Rep co-production absolutely deserves a similar transfer.

With such a fascinating background, it’s a wonder that there has never been an official Sinatra musical before. After all, it’s the story of a poor boy from an immigrant family done good, all the glitz and glamour from Hollywood to Vegas, movie stars, casinos, alleged mob connections – so much content to draw on. And this production- following Sinatra’s early career (1943-1953) has been put together with the full support of the Sinatra estate – youngest daughter Tina even does the pre-show announcement and was in the audience for show previews.

The scene is set from curtain up, with a young Frank (Matt Doyle) embarking on a solo career after singing with bands. He is dashingly handsome, with the voice of an angel. It’s not long before fame, fortune and Hollywood come calling. Starlets come and go – Frank’s conquests include Lana Turner, Judy Garland and Marlene Dietrich – but he always returns to childhood sweetheart and wife Nancy (Phoebe Panaretos). But Ava Gardner (Ana Villafane) is the one that he can’t let go and he throws away his marriage for: Ava is – as Frank’s agent and friend George Evans (Carl Patrick) points out – the female version of himself.

Frank spirals out of control, with a quick temper, a jealous streak and a fondness for a double Jack or three. His music and acting careers are both in the doldrums, and he is on the brink of losing his second wife. Yet he somehow manages to stage an incredible comeback, with a new recording contract and an Oscar-winning performance in “From Here to Eternity”.

Matt Doyle makes an absolutely sensational Sinatra. The mannerisms and cheeky smile clearly show how much research he has done for the role, and it’s easy to see why Ol’ Blue Eyes was such a heartthrob. Doyle is already a Tony-award winning actor; I think he should clear off his mantelpiece for another trophy. He’s on stage for almost every second of the 2 hour 25 minute show, yet it still doesn’t feel like a one-man show with such a strong ensemble.

Despite being the other woman, it’s hard to dislike Ava Gardner, and credit to that goes to Ana Villafane. She’s sassy, smart and wears the trousers in more ways than one. No spoilers, but watch out for her scene with a Spanish bullfighter… And Phoebe Panaretos plays long-suffering wife Nancy with dignity and charm. Dawn Buckland and Vincent Riotta are delightful as Frank’s ever supportive parents Dolly and Marty. Their second act duet of “You Make Me Feel So Young” is heartwarming, and they look like they’re having a ball.

There’s a dynamite scene in Act 2 between Doyle’s Sinatra and Billie Holliday, played by Ryesha Higgs. “One for my Baby” is traded between the two old friends as they swap tales of woe, Billie reminding him as they part that he’ll be ok because he’s a white boy. (As an aside, wouldn’t a Billie Holliday musical or biopic be fascinating?)

Although this is technically a jukebox musical, if feels like so much more, with each song cleverly weaved into the storyline. Sinatra’s rendition of “The Way You Look Tonight” performed with eldest daughter is an absolute joy; and Phoebe Panaretos delivers a heartrending version of “Wee Small Hours Of The Morning” as she nurses a baby whilst Frank cavorts with Ava. The songbook is largely from the first part of Sinatra’s career, hence only a finale snippet of “New York New York”, and the complete omission of “My Way”.

Joe Dipietro’s script is witty and thoughtful and every line is delivered immaculately by the cast, with that distinctive New Jersey accent never slipping. The slick production is directed and choreographed by Kathleen Marshall – like Doyle, both Dipietro and Marshall have Tony Awards behind them. This is an absolute top-notch show from every single person involved. The 1950s interiors are perfectly modelled by Peter Mackintosh – now where can I get that drinks trolley?

A mention has to go to Jon Morrell for the absolutely stunning costume design. There were so many gorgeous outfits, from Nancy’s blouse/fit-and-flare skirt combinations to Ava’s slinky white pantsuit. And Doyle has perfected the act of taking jackets off and putting another on in the blink of an eye. I loved all the old school Hollywood glamour. My grandad was a huge fan of the classic musical, and “High Society” and “On The Town” – both Sinatra movies – were favourites always on the VHS. Yes, in those cases that looked like books.

The wonderful orchestra led by Gareth Valentine had their moment to shine too after the cast have taken their final bows – make sure you stay right to the end to give them the plaudits they truly deserve too!

The first half is a tad too long, and the interval came as a welcome relief from the Sinatra rollercoaster. There is so much content to cover, and maybe at times it felt a little like we were rushing from one scene to another. Yet that doesn’t spoil my enjoyment of this excellent show.

I find myself sitting next to an American music industry big wig who casually drops theatre acquaintance names as if he’s discussing his neighbours. Bernadette Peters. Cameron Mackintosh. Bryan Cranston. This show is clearly garnering worldwide attention. And he – like the rest of the audience – cannot wait to jump to their feet to give this wonderful ensemble a standing ovation.

Start spreading the news – and book tickets to see this sensational show.

Sinatra The Musical is at the Birmingham Rep until Saturday 28th October 2023 – you can book your tickets here.

Photo Credits: Manuel Harlan

*Why is this post marked AD? I was invited to attend Press Night in exchange for an honest review. You can trust that I will always be honest and truthful on A Brummie Home and Abroad, and being an invited guest will not influence my opinion in any way.