Frank comes to Broadway!
I remember when Frank Sinatra died. I was on the air at Lite-FM, and in the days following, I felt a deep sadness for someone I had never met, but who was an influential figure in my life.
I recall at the time reading a live commercial for a New York newspaper doing a retrospective of his career and as I read the spot, I felt my voice catch, as tears came to my eyes.
Frank Sinatra. Someone I always wanted to interview, but never had the chance.
Frank’s voice was always in the background at our house. My mother’s favorite song was Fly Me to the Moon. I recall her singing along while cooking or making one of her famous martinis at the conclusion of every school year, marking the start of her summer vacation. (Mom was a high school French teacher). Dad was partial to Violets for Your Furs, a beauty that was performed with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra in 1941. Dad was an artist and musician himself, and the elegance of that tune always transported him.
Whatever decade or era featuring Frank I listened to, I was a fan. From his unique phrasing to his cool attitude, from his incredible vocal abilities to his charm, I was hooked on his songs.
And so, I am thrilled and delighted to learn that two-time Tony winner Joe DiPietro is writing a script for a musical about Ole Blue Eyes, which is currently in development. Joining Joe will be multiple award-winning director and choreographer Kathleen Marshall.
Frank’s daughter, Tina, is one of the producers, working along with Universal Music Group Theatrical.
Tina Sinatra said, “I’m excited to work with Universal Music Theatrical on this stage production that we believe will bring audiences new perspectives and insights into my father’s renowned music and his enduring legacy.”
All I can say is, it is about time to see a musical about this legend and icon come to Broadway. Can’t wait to see who is cast as the kid from Hoboken. Stay tuned!
Valerie Smaldone is a 5-time Billboard Magazine Award winner and is well known for her unprecedented success holding the #1 on-air position in the New York radio market on 106.7 Life-FM, an iHeart station. She has hosted, produced, and created several award-winning nationally syndicated programs featuring in-depth interviews with stars like Paul McCartney, Celine Dion, Rod Stewart, Elton John and Mariah Carey among others. Her radio talk show "Bagels and Broadway" highlighted theatre and food personalities. She is an accomplished interviewer and voice artist heard on commercials, narrations, promos and audiobooks, as well as a sought after live announcer.
Most recently, Valerie produced and directed a film, The Thursday Night Club, featuring pop diva Gloria Gaynor in her movie acting debut. She is one of the creators and producers of a docu-series, Divine Renovation, starring Erik Estrada, on streaming networks soon.
For those who want to remember Frank Sinatra at Christmas you can now buy the new Sinatra Bulova Watch at Bulova.com. And watch the Bulova sponsored Sinatra Christmas Special on YouTube.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MyE37-wOIm0