Doing Sinatra ‘my way’
British performer will soon hit town to give a glimpse into the crooner’s life and times
MUSIC legend Frank Sinatra is celebrated in the international show, Sinatra and Me, coming to Durban next month.
British performer and Sinatra impersonator, Richard Shelton, will play four shows at the Rockwood Theatre, Sibaya.
Shelton said his fascination with Sinatra began when he was 6 years old after he saw the resemblance between himself and a childhood picture of the music icon.
“I said to my mother, ‘Look, this could be me’. She looked at it sceptically, but then agreed, it indeed could have been. So from a very young age, I was aware of him. I never could have imagined that years later I’d actually be portraying Sinatra.
“The dark side of Sinatra’s character fascinates me, the things that made him tick as a person. I’m interested in the 2am Sinatra you’d meet in a bar, reminiscing and singing into his cups.
“Sinatra knew what it was like to literally have The World on a String and lose it all.
“You can’t sing about Fly me to the Moon or the sensitivity and joy of The Tender Trap and really mean it unless you’ve experienced life’s kicks in the teeth, the twists in the road which we all experience. It’s the point of the song, That’s Life. Sinatra sang intimately to everyone and took everyone on an emotional journey.”
The production includes some of Sinatra’s biggest hits such as I’ve Got You Under My Skin, Fly Me to the Moon, It Was a Very Good Year, One For My Baby, My Foolish Heart and more.
“The show evokes the spirit of Sinatra. The only way I know how to approach him is as an actor, meaning I remove myself and allow him to inhabit me.
“So it all comes from the inside. I’m in touch with the emotion of the moment. It’s all about honesty, honesty of music and lyric.
“We’re creating a moment in
time when Sinatra is at the peak of his talents, and the show combines glorious big band and swing sounds, with amusing anecdotes and glimpses into his character.”
For the South African shows of Sinatra and Me, Shelton will be accompanied on stage by Adam Howard’s 17-piece, Joburg Big Band.
“Audiences will have the chance to enjoy the music played by wonderful South African musicians, which captivated generations, and will continue to do for generations yet to come and get a sense they have spent some time in the company of Frank Sinatra and enjoyed a glimpse into what made him the glorious icon he was.” Sinatra and Me runs at the Rockwood Theatre at Sibaya from March 12-15. Shows are at 8pm from Tuesday to Saturday, with a matinee on Sunday at 3pm. Tickets are R200. Book at www. rockwoodtheatre.co.za
Audiences will get a sense they have spent time in the company of Frank Sinatra and get a glimpse of the icon Richard Shelton Sinatra impersonator