BWW Reviews: The Scintas - The Spectacular Next Generation Keeps Up The Family Tradition

Something extraordinary happened in the showroom at the Suncoast Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas this weekend. A star was born.

It happened during a performance by The Scintas, one of the most entertaining shows ever in Las Vegas. The Scintas — siblings Chrissi, Frank and Joe, along with long-time friend and drummer Pete O’Donnell — had their own showroom for almost a decade until, like so many others, they were done in by the economy. Now, they tour a great deal and, when they do play Las Vegas, it’s a grand occasion.

Their show is a mix of music and comedy. Frank is a very accomplished pianist and Joe guitarist. It is Chrissi who fills the traditional girl singer role. Frank and Joe are also absolutely first-rate impressionists. Dino and Jerry, Sinatra, Joe Cocker, Ray Charles — the list goes on. There may, perhaps, be people who are as good as they, but there is no one better in this city of great impressionists.

Chrissi's voice has always brought a great deal of beauty to the show. But, now, she is having some temporary voice issues and, to do the show their audiences love, The Scintas needed to find a substitute. The one they found was there, in the family, all along.

Deanna Milkie’s parents are Chrissi Scinta and Sterling Entertainment’s John Milkie. Their daughter inherited her mother’s beautiful voice. At 22, she is poised on stage and, though in his warm introduction of her, Frank Scinta mentioned that Deanna was nervous, watching her, one would never know it.

This show was their seasonal A Very Scinta Christmas and it was, of course, filled with music and cheer appropriate for this time of year. In between the comedy and impressions, Deanna sang, White Christmas Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, Christina Aguilera’s This Christmas, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, O Holy Night, a Michael Jackson medley. And duetted with Frank on Baby, It’s Cold Outside.

It is always good to have The Scintas back in Las Vegas where they have, over the years, made so many audiences happy. And, though one hopes that Chrissi recovers her voice very soon, it was terrific to see her daughter carry on the family tradition into the next generation.

Look for The Scintas this month at the Tangier Nighr Club in Akron, Ohio and Andiamo in Warren MI.

Photo: (from left)The Scintas: Pete O'Connell, Joe, Chrissi and Frank Scinta and, far right, Deanna Milkie.