Review: Donny & Marie are Delightfully Versatile and Entertaining in Sandy

Utah's beloved Osmond siblings Donny & Marie hit the stage of the Sandy Amphitheater on July 11, 2017 to launch their new tour. They gave a thoroughly entertaining show with high production values that was filled with nostalgia while remaining current and relevant.

Following a declaration of Donny & Marie Day by Governor Gary R. Herbert, the stars of stage and screen proved why they are still so successful after five decades in show business. Both their vocals were on point and in their prime. Throughout the evening, Donny & Marie displayed astonishing power, clarity, and versatility as they transitioned from rock to pop to country to Broadway to opera.

Even the song selection provided sheer entertainment. The show included both duet and solo sets and featured a head-spinning number of tunes, including their own hits such as "Paper Roses" and "Puppy Love," as well as cleverly arranged medleys that highlighted hit songs from many different eras while subtly interpolating others.

After 6,000 performances in the leading role of JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, Donny (who also played Gaston in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST on Broadway) was amply prepared to give a stirring performance of "Close Every Door," bookended by praise for Andrew Lloyd Webber as a producer and stories of his character's infamous loincloth.

Not to be outdone, Marie followed with a full Broadway medley featuring the stage roles she has taken on, with "Getting to Know You" from THE KING AND I and the title song from THE SOUND OF MUSIC. She finished it off with production numbers "All That Jazz" from CHICAGO and the title song from CABARET.

The sound design was absolutely fabulous, as it heightened the strengths of each of their voices and rendered them crystal clear.

The siblings' well-known personalities shone as they conversed with the audience and ribbed one another with hilarious faux bickering and witty banter.

Their dancers were a great addition, allowing Donny & Marie to showcase their significant dance abilities (as seen on successful runs on DANCING WITH THE STARS). The choreography by Utah's Bonnie Story (HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL), who was in attendance, perfectly matched the material and the stars.

The lighting design was top-notch, and the costumes (including a significant number of changes) were deliciously, sparklingly over the top. Every element combined to support the larger-than-life talents and personalities of Donny & Marie.

If you are a fan of the Osmonds, you owe it to yourself to see Donny & Marie on this tour. It plays one more night in Sandy before moving across North America throughout the rest of the summer.

The Sandy Amphitheater will present a number of varied musical and comedy acts this year, including the Sandy Arts Guild's production of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. For more information, and to buy tickets, visit www.sandyamp.com.

Photo Credit: L-R Donny & Marie

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