Photo Coverage: Lucie Arnaz in MY LATIN ROOTS at Barrington Stage Co.

Ron Abel played himself (as opposed to playing himself on Fran Dreschers new TV Show Happily Divorced) last night in his capacity as pianist/arranger/musical director for Lucie Arnaz in an exciting performance of her show "My Latin Roots" at Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield, Ma.
Based upon the enthusiastic reception and standing ovations Lucie received, one would have thought her Roots were in Pittsfield Ma. The audiences at Barrington Stage are accustomed to seeing preeminent performances. Artistic Director Julianne Boyd once again selected a remarkable performer in a marvelously constructed Cabaret Show to entertain Barrington's Main Stage Berkshire audience.

Entertaining is a minimal word when it comes to describing Lucie's Latin Roots show. It takes its audience on a fun filled and emotional trip of her musical heritage, which was attained by growing up as the daughter of a Cuban named Desi. If Lucie couldn't sing and dance, just her stories about her parents would be entertaining enough. But when you add in her substantial musical talents, the evening became magic. Ron's arrangements perfectly framed Lucie's singing, and when towards the end of the show she lifted Desi's straw hat there wasn't a dry eye in the house. The evening was about Desi's music but the last song Lucie sang was for her mother. The show stopper in the only Broadway Show Lucille Ball was in (Wildcat), ‘HEY LOOK ME OVER" The cheering crowd at Barrington came away knowing that Lucie was one of Desilu's best productions. Lucie's band expertly created the Latin Roots effect with Brian Nelapka on Bass, Steve Samuel on Drums and Roger Squitero on Percussion.

Photo Credit: Stephen Sorokoff

Lucie Arnaz

Lucie Arnaz

Lucie Arnaz

Lucie Arnaz

Lucie Arnaz

Lucie Arnaz

Music Director Ron Abel & Lucie Arnaz

Luci Arnaz

Lucie introduces husband Laurence Luckinbill

Barrington Stage Company

Lucie Arnaz

Lucie Arnaz

Board President Mary Ann Quinson & Lucie Arnaz

Bruno Quinson, Marge Champion, Laurence Luckinbill

Julianne Boyd Artistic Director & Lucie Arnaz

EDa Sorokoff,Lucie Arnaz, Ron Abel

EDa Sorokoff & Lucie Arnaz

Laurence Luckinbill & Julianne Boyd