Review: I LEFT MY HEART: A SALUTE TO THE MUSIC OF TONY BENNETT at Performing Artists Repertory Theatre (PART)

Gordon Cantiello along with Rick Brayshaw has brought another fine evening of entertainment to Omaha with I LEFT MY HEART: A SALUTE TO THE MUSIC OF Tony Bennett at the Performing Artists Repertory Theatre in Crossroads. Conceived by David Grapes and Todd Olson, this delightful two act tribute showcases 34 songs made popular by Anthony Dominick Benedetto, known as Tony Bennett.

While we were settling in at round cocktail tables with a glass of wine, local entertainer Rob Lohman played an inviting pre-show set on piano and vocals, giving the theatre a nightclub feel. Lohman excels at being very present rather than just background music and the audience responded appreciatively.

Kirk Vaughn-Robinson, Matthias Jeske, and DJ Tyree, looking dapper in tuxes, took the stage which was strung with glittering white lights as a backdrop. The three men, with great voices and very distinctive styles from one another, interspersed solos with group numbers and peppered them with anecdotes from Tony Bennett's life. Vaughn-Robinson added old school charm. Jeske maintained his unique 1960's persona. And Tyree threw in a whole lotta smooth movement, engaging the audience with his lively personality. Together they complemented each other.

The set list was well thought out. One number led seamlessly into another. Songs were grouped into categories. There was a fun crazy rhythm set, and a film set that featured songs from movies, and a quiet set featuring beautiful ballads.

A few of my favorites were the mashup of "Because of You" with "Stranger in Paradise", the enjoyable harmony in "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" and "Where Do I Begin?, and Vaughn-Robinson's rendition of the lovely ballad, "A Child is Born." Tyree delivered a soulful version of "I Got it Bad and That Ain't Good," while Jeske's vocals took flight with "Fly Me to the Moon" accompanied by some amazing keyboard work by Jennifer Novak Haar.

Novak Haar, Musical Director and pianist, headed up a fine quartet of musicians: Brandon Armstrong on drums, Clarke Edson on Bass, and Marcus Nunez on Trumpet. For some numbers Novak Haar accompanied the singers on piano; for others the full quartet played, adding in some impressive riffs.

Props were minimal. There were stools and a disco ball. Black canes were brought out in "Puttin On the Ritz." When one was dropped, it just added to the show. Mistakes were covered with witty asides and improvisational remarks. The low key, intimate atmosphere was refreshing and fun.

Tony Bennett was said to have spoken these words, "If I have a gimmick, it's that I don't have a gimmick." That worked for him and it works for this show. Simple. Tasteful. Very pleasing to the ears. Vaughn-Robinson, Jeske and Tyree proved "Sing the good songs and you'll never go wrong."

I LEFT MY HEART: A SALUTE TO THE MUSIC OF Tony Bennett runs February 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18 with a special Valentine's Day performance on Februrary 14. www.performingartistsrepertorytheatre.org

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