The Tony Bennett Songbook

The Three Tonys

Reviewed by Vicki Stokes

War veteran, painter, and superstar crooner, Tony Bennett had incredible success and longevity, working until he died in 2023. Victoria Playhouse walks you through the life of this remarkable man in The Tony Bennett Songbook, now on stage in Petrolia.

Bennett kept himself relevant until the end, working with modern stars such as Carrie Underwood and Lady Gaga. It’s obvious he’s not going to be forgotten anytime soon, as many people are nostalgic for his music and have fond memories of attending one of his concerts. Even if his jazzy style is not your preferred genre of music, there is plenty to enjoy in this final show of the VPP season.

Musical genius Mark Payne begins the show with four magical notes, representing “I left my heart” before he launches into the beautiful musical journey on his piano, joined by the other skilled members of the Starbright band. One by one we are introduced to each of the Tonys: Michael Vanhevel, Luciano Decicco and David Rogers. Each Tony has a signature red handkerchief in his pocket.

Michael Vanhevel represents the crooner in Tony Bennett. Widely known and beloved for his crooning, Vanhevel is also a superb actor, having played Mitch Albom in Tuesdays with Morrie at VPP and Duke Henderson in Sh-Boom! Life Could be a Dream with Drayton Entertainment this season. Vanhevel’s spotlight shines brightest when singing hits like “It Had to Be You.” 

Luciano Decicco represents the Italian side of Tony Bennett and gives his standards an operatic flair. New to VPP, so young and full of talent, he immediately endears himself to the audience. He beautifully performs “O Solo Mio” in Italian, much to everyone’s delight. He’s cheerful and relaxed when performing such hits as “Firefly” and “Cheek to Cheek.”

David Rogers is the theatrical leading man side of Tony Bennett. Not only is Rogers a powerful lead, but he’s also co-artistic director of VPP. Along with David Hogan, who directed and choreographed this show, Rogers works hard to bring magic to the playhouse stage. An example of his commanding lead is his performance of “If I Ruled the World.” With a sense of nostalgia, he performs Kermit the Frog/Tony Bennett number “Bein’ Green” accompanied by guitarist Dee Klinger.

From solos to duets to trios, these three differing talents bring to life the vocal work of Tony Bennett. And you can count on lots of humour and even a little audience participation. Remarkably, there’s a medley of an entire album, which they playfully keep moving along. Fifty-seven of Bennett’s hits are featured, according to Decicco. Many of the songs are uplifting, asking you to put on a happy face or to get happy. Even the youngest members of the audience will be familiar with some of these standards. And no finale would be complete without “I’ll Be Seeing You” and “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.” A fulfilling conclusion is reached, foreshadowed by Mark Payne’s first four notes. 

The stage and side walls feature framed photos of Bennett in various stages of his career. Later, the framed “photos” on the walls change, as selections from Bennett’s artwork are shown. This is a lovely additional tribute to the great singer. 

The Tony Bennett Songbook is a quick journey through the work, voice and paintbrush, of Anthony Dominick Benedetto, or Tony Bennett. There could not be a better tribute to the man than this VPP original.

The Tony Bennett Songbook continues at Victoria Playhouse, Petrolia until October 25th. For tickets, call the box office at 1-800-717-7694.

Photo:  Luciano Decicco, David Rogers, Michael Vanhevel. Photo by Diane O’Dell

The Tony Bennett Songbook

Directed and choreographed by David Hogan

Music directed by Mark Payne

Performed by David Rogers, Michael Vanhevel, Luciano Decicco, Sam Fitzpatrick, Dee Klinger, Greg Mainprize, Mark Payne

Victoria Playhouse, Petrolia

October 8 to 25, 2024

Reviewed by Vicki Stokes

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