Doppelganger

I missed this play twice before - I was on the wait list in late January and never heard back. Then, when I learned that the play was extended, I promptly bought the ticket for the full price but I miscalculated the weekend traffic commute to the venue and it was too late. Recently, I saw an ad about another extension of the play through 4/23/11 (since it opened in October 2010) and a promo code for a half-price ticket! I thought that it was probably meant that I see the play so I took advantage of the discount!

I arrived yesterday for the afternoon performance with plenty of time to spare and really had an enjoyable time. It was open seating and I eventually chose to sit in the last row (fifth row). I thought that it was a perfect location and it still felt intimate since it was a small theater. I scanned the audience ... about 99% were senior citizens. When the music started, I could sense nostalgia of a bygone time from their reaction.

The "live studio commercials" by the impeccable announcer were amusing. Although the "in-between takes" were a little distracting, they didn't overwhelm the musical repertoire. The 12-piece live band was impressively inspiring and energizing. Best of all, the voice of Luca Ellis that was uncannily like Frank Sinatra's himself, was hauntingly penetrating as he sang selections from the Great American Songbook. My Way was a fitting end to the performance as the music's quiet intimacy progressed to a crescendo that concluded this experience.

I am glad that after three attempts, I finally had the chance to see the performance and truly had a good time.