Presented by: Adelaide Festival Centre
Reviewed: 24 June 2016
Frank Sinatra was an American legend. Star of stage and screen, his performances drew decades of fans. Whilst some of his more salacious activities have been well documented, his musical legacy has remained. Dubbed ‘Ol’ Blue Eyes’ and ‘Cranky Franky’ in equal measures, Sinatra was unafraid in showing his personal foibles in public. Whatever you could say about him, he oozed talented charisma and produced scores of imitators. Sinatra at the Sands is a more than worthy tribute to the performer. Fronted by local actor/singer Tom Burlinson, the show is a loud, jazzed-up affair effectively mirroring the Las Vegas spectacles of yesteryear. As part of the infamous Vegas ‘Rat Pack’, Sinatra knew how to handle a tune as does Burlinson who conjures a fine evening of classic hits and memories.
One word sums Sinatra at the Sands perfectly – class. The entire show oozed it as Burlinson walked onto the Festival Theatre stage to thunderous applause. It was as if the audience knew they were in for a special evening, which it was. Dividing the show in 2 acts with the first section devoted to the 1966 Sinatra at the Sands live album and the 2nd section mostly presenting the hit songs that came after. All of the classics were aired – My Way, Come Fly With Me, The Lady is a Tramp, etc. Whilst Burlinson didn’t particularly look like Sinatra, he sang just as superbly with a stunning vocal range giving the songs new life and depth. You could feel the power behind the words and the pure emotion with the mix of ballads and uptempo songs working brilliantly.
In between songs, Burlinson effectively engaged with his audience with informative pieces on each song and the reasons for their inclusion. These were very interesting without being smugly presented – Burlinson kept the light touch the show needed and wasn’t afraid to poke a little fun at himself. More importantly, he also didn’t try to ‘be’ Sinatra but just capture the essence of him which was all that was needed. Once that was established the audience went with him on the musical journey. In some ways, Sinatra at the Sands was agreeably old-fashioned in the sense it harked back to a simpler era of melodic music and expressing emotions via well-written words. In a sometimes dark world, shows such as this re-affirms that lightness can easily be shone just be listening to some classic tracks.
Complimenting Burlinson was the 16 piece band who really stepped up to the plate. They were more than amazing as they provided the power and strength each piece required. The big, brassy, jazzy sounds were pleasing to hear and struck the right note. You couldn’t help but be swept along by the energy from all involved who should be very proud of their efforts. Although you knew which certain songs were coming, you still enjoyed listening to Burlinson and company work their magic. He also engaged well with the audience with an impromptu bit of acapella singing showing how diverse he is. The fact everyone gave him a standing ovation at the end, screaming for more showed how in tune he was in presenting a show everyone wanted and enjoyed.
Sinatra may be gone but his legacy endures as can be seen via Michael Buble, Harry Connick Jnr and Tom Burlinson. Sinatra at the Sands was a class act from start to finish, consistently entertaining its audience until the final and well deserved bow.
Reviewed by: Patrick Moore
Twitter: @PatrickMoore14
Rating out of 5: 5
One night only – Season ended
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