Luca Ellis' Star Turn Makes Hoboken to Hollywood a Must See

Hoboken to Hollywood
A New Musical Event
written by Luca Ellis, Paul Litteral and Jeremy Aldridge
directed by Jeremy Aldridge
Edgemar Center for the Arts, Santa Monica
extended through December 19

At first glance there are similarities between Hoboken to Hollywood and Louis & Keely: Live at the Sahara! Both plays place their artists in front of a live orchestra throughout. After Act I, however, it is obvious that Hoboken to Hollywood is distinctly different. It does not analyze the personal life and conflicts of its star, called the Crooner, but rather offers a glimpse of his professional character whilst doing what he did best, singing for an audience. The play's a taping of an hour-long TV special in 1965 with its star handsome Luca Ellis winning the hearts and admiration of the entire universe, just like his character Frank Sinatra. Hoboken to Hollywood is what it is: an entertaining show and an unparalleled work of nostalgia looking back at the best music of the century.

Ellis sounds, in fact, just like Sinatra and conveys the relaxed demeanor and laid back mannerisms of Sinatra to the letter. He is mesmerizing and so the two hour show literally flies by. The special, called A Journey Through the Great American Songbook, offers the Chairman of the Board, his 12 piece-orchestra, announcer, and crew a plethora of opportunities for flubs, retakes and a whole lot of spontaneously staged mayhem. The Crooner, of course, becomes outraged at any retakes, as he was a one-take kind of guy and abhorred amateurs and lets the director Dwight Hemion (Al Bernstein) know it. He kibitzes between takes with conductor Nelson Riddle (Jeff Markgraff) and the various members of the band and particularly with klutzy stage hand Andy (hilarious Pat Towne), referring to him as an amateur at one point and later offering him advice on "Being a man!"

Commercials for Ford and Shmimex Watch are fun to watch with announcer Chandler Hill and assistant Franci Montgomery adding greatly to the hilarity. It's ok that there is no great drama here; it is a realistic look at a taping of a show, what can and does happen and how everyone reacts, kind of like a slice of life. Sinatra, despite his whines and brash comments, was a true pro on the set and respected by one and all. Ellis displays the element of the 'cool cat' boss at every step along the way, making the role of the Crooner brilliantly his very own creation.

Aldridge is a top-notch director, keeping the action flowing throughout and James W. Thompson is to be praised for his spot-on art direction of the simple yet classy TV set.

Some of the great standards performed are "Call Me Irresponsible", "Route 66", "Old Black Magic", "Blue Moon", "Stardust" and "Fly Me to the Moon" among close to twenty old time favs. The Paul Litteral Orchestra - the best band in town - are at piano, Paul McDonald; bass, Nicholas Klingenberg; drums, Steve Pemberton; trumpets: Paul Litteral, Ron Sewer, and Kendall Wallace; saxes: Jim Jedeikin, Josh C. Harris, Colin Kupka, and Damon Zick; and trombones: Craig Kupka and Robbie Hioki.

For fans of the great American Songbook, those "Young at Heart", this show is a must see and for younger folk, unfamiliar with the great old standards here's a chance to learn what good music is all about and how it's well produced. The Crooner's advice? "Listen to the musician!"

RESERVATIONS: (310) 392-7327. ONLINE TICKETING: www.edgemarcenter.org