In this repeat of a popular earlier show, De’Zhon Fields essentially imitates Sammy Davis, Jr. doing a typical solo nightclub act. Both the imitator and the one imitated radiate talent at singing, banter (in this case, introductions for each of the songs or sets to be performed), and footwork.
De’Zhon Fields has Davis’ trademark black horn-rimmed glasses, a well tailored tux (black in the first half of he show, changing next to white jacket), shiny black shoes, a watch thick with diamonds, and a black bow tie (which he’ll loosen or re-tie for special effects on two different numbers).
Fields begins ”Sammy” Tonight! with “That Old Black Magic” and proceeds to illustrate same further on such typical Davis tunes as “The Candy Man,” “What Kind of Fool Am I,” “I Gotta Be Me” (with loosened bowtie) and “Mr. Bojangles.” For the last number, Fields dons a derby and spices his delivery with Davis’ characteristic hand gestures and slick slides. “What a Wonderful World” imitates Davis imitating Louis Armstrong, immediately recognizable even without use of a handkerchief. The second half of the program brings tributes to the various composers and singers, especially Sinatra, who contributed to Davis’ career.
“All the Way” has Fields singing with lovely Tsadok Porter in a romantic duet. Throughout the show, she’s an effective backup singer along with Ariel Blue. Light that changes from the proscenium frame to spots aids scene changes. In lieu of scenery, there are projections behind the bandstand, the last being appropriately a silhouetted Manhattan for “New York, New York.”
Previews:
August 21, 2013
Ended:
September 1, 2013
Country:
USA
State:
Florida
City:
Sarasota
Company/Producers:
Westcoast Black Theater Troupe
Theater Type:
Regional
Theater:
WBBT Theater
Theater Address:
1646 10th Way
Phone:
941-366-1505
Website:
WBTTSRQ.org
Running Time:
75 min
Genre:
Musical Revue
Director:
Nate Jacobs
Review:
Cast:
De’Zhon Fields; Musicians: Jamar D. Camp, James Stewart, James Dodge, II, Xavier Murray; Back-up Singers: Ariel Blue & Tsadok Porter
Technical:
Lighting: Michael Pasquini; Sound: Leon Pitts II; Tech. Director: Shane Streight; Production Mgr.: James Dodge, II; Stage Mgr: Juanita Mumford
Critic:
Marie J. Kilker
Date Reviewed:
August 2013
