Cabaret review by Marilyn Lester . . . .
In his latest Standard and Stories (at 54 Below), the feeling that comes through the most about Tony Danza can be wrapped up in a quote from YouTube influencer, James Charles: “I’m having fun. I’m being myself. I’m doing what I love. That’s all that matters.” That’s Danza. This solid showman takes the stage and holds it, with his audience in the palm of his hand. He exudes infectious joy, and can make you feel that you’re his best friend. There’s an art to the intimacy he creates, and he does it with ease and authenticity—a rare and precious commodity.
True to the title of the show, there were standards from the American Songbook, woven together by often humorous stories from the many experiences in his life. Relating that he just turned 73, Danza reached back to his childhood and many points in between to the present. He began, though, with a blitz of song, the first remarkably self-identifying: “As Long as I’m Singing” (Bobby Darin), which even included a riff of scat. It was followed by “How Little We Know” (Hoagy Carmichael, Johnny Mercer), an up-tune that revealed his animated, dynamic style and “That’s All” (Bob Haymes, Alan Brandt), a swinger with Las Vegas stylings. Like Frank Sinatra, who’s mentioned later in the show, Danza’s delivery is mostly straight-ahead, but a few tunes leaned into that finger-snapping LV style adopted by Ole Blue Eyes from time to time. That Sinatra story: it was a touching recounting about how he was able to introduce his Sinatra-loving mom (an original Bobby Soxer) to her idol.
Is Danza “Old School?” Most certainly and that’s a major plus. Entertainers with his ethic are not only talented by default (and by the way, he’s a triple threat: he sings, dances and acts) but are great raconteurs. They know how to tell a story: with impeccable timing. And it’s that same ability that makes Danza a superb interpreter of lyrics. His “It Was a Very Good Year” (Ervin Drake) and “Angel Eyes” (Matt Dennis, Earl Brent), in particular, were beautifully rendered getting to the heart of the lyric. More than once Danza commented on the value of standards as relatable and… hummable. Referring to some current modern music genres, he wondered what “these kids” are going to hum when they mature. Bonus points also go to Danza for proactively giving song credits for his material.
One of the most delightful and important facets of his show is his long-time band. These are musicians who are more than backup; they are true partners in the Danza experience. As he said, he and the guys “have a great hang.” With music director-pianist Joe Davidian (who is clearly having the best time on stage), bassist John Arbo, drummer Ed Caccavale and guitarist extraordinaire Dave Schupp, the artistry and arrangements are bright and zesty no matter the tempo. A boss nova twist to “Watch What Happens” (Michel Legrand, Norman Gimbel) was fresh and joyful. Likewise, “I Love Betsy” (Jason Robert Brown”), a barn-burner of a tune, was made more sprightly with the band members offering backup vocals. “I Don’t Remember Ever Growing Up” by Danza’s friend, Artie Butler, with piano accompaniment only, was particularly effective in its tenderness and depth.
As if Danza doesn’t have talent enough, he’s taken up the ukulele. One of his projects has been to adapt this tiny stringed instrument with a powerful punch to the American Songbook. His solo rendition of “Nevertheless (I’m in Love With You)” (Bert Kalmar, Harry Ruby) proved the success of the venture. Tap dancing came with “If My Friends Could See Me Now” (Cy Coleman, Dorothy Fields). There was a finale, but of course savvy audiences know there will be more. Danza’s encore was not only clever but hit a true note: citing “new standards” he offered a splendid pop-rock Motown medley with a bounty of tunes including “I Can’t Help Myself” (Lamont Dozier, Brian Holland, Eddie Holland) and “The Tracks of My Tears” (Smokey Robinson, Warren Moore, Marvin Tarpin). Standards & Stories! was ultimately a generous helping of prime entertainment delivered by a remarkable and inspiring showman.
Tony Danza’s Standards & Stories! plays again at 54 Below on Friday, May 31 and Saturday, June 1 www.54below.org
