Reviewed by John Weatherford
DNA is the only thing identical about the Nunziata Brothers, at least according to Anthony after the first number at the opening night of their return engagement at Feinstein’s at Loews Regency. Excuse me very much, but I beg to differ. There are many things identical about these two young men. For example, charm and being engaging would be identical qualities they share. Will and Anthony share the glorious gift of music and a tenacious talent to interact with their audience. They openly share their virtuosity with a unique style and flair. And, the show shares the title of their debut CD, Make Someone Happy. And, indeed they do.
The opening number, “Everybody Says Don’t,” explains a few of the happenings twins often endure. Fortunately for the audience, their witty patter amuses without becoming self-indulgent. Anthony (I think) took the stage and gently crooned “The Way You Look Tonight” to select ladies he masterfully pulled into his world. This was followed by “You’ve Got a Lot to Learn” sung, with a twinkle in his eye, by Will (I think). I tried to remember which was which by the one wearing the black and white shoes. I later found I was woefully wrong.
The Nunziatas with Billy Stritch
The brothers’ harmonies are near perfection. They conveyed the story of how they began harmonizing together. The Nunziata family would take weekend excursions to New York City from their home outside the city. The family would share in the experience of Broadway musicals. Interestingly, mother Nunziata would do the driving and dad Nunziata would sit in the passenger seat encouraging the boys to harmonize with familiar tunes. They sang two of the “carmony” songs, “When the Saints Go Marching In” and “Lullaby of Broadway.” Their renditions filled the packed audience with appreciation for dad Nunziata. The after song was then merged with a show-stopping number from one of those many weekend jaunts, “Brotherhood of Man.”
Their first professional gig won them a Honey Nut Cheerios’ commercial. According to the fellows, the commercial earned them the money to pay for their college tuition. Once at Boston College, they were encouraged to audition for Godspell, and, not only did they get cast, they got the lead roles of Jesus and Judas. Now the question is who got which. I’ll let them tell you when you treat yourself to one of the remaining shows this week. I must say that was clever casting and I would have loved to have seen that production.
A touching moment came when they talked of their late Italian grandmother and a song they had put on a CD for her. After she died, the nurses told them that each night, before she went to sleep, she would listen to their music. They quietly and soulfully sang “Funiculi Funicula,” blending English and Italian lyrics. There was nary a dry eye in the house. The evening was wrapped up with a collection of Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse hits. Will thrilled with “Pure Imagination.” Anthony followed with a soft approach to “Who Can I Turn To?” which was soon melded with “What Kind of Fool Am I?” by Will. The arrangement, with the resulting harmonies, was delicious in its richness.
Most of the materials used are songs that I have loved all my life. There were no new ones, only standard love songs expressing our most basic emotions. They are songs that conjure up emotions we live with every day. They are songs that inspire emotions we pray will keep us connected to our personal truths. I know that these talented men will (and Anthony) go far. They have a passion and a mission with their music. They want to make someone happy.
The engagement continues through July 14th at 8pm at Feinstein’s Loews Regency.
*Photos by Russ Weatherford
Posted by Sandi Durell
on July 11, 2012. Filed under Cabaret,Cabaret and Interviews - Sandi Durell,COLUMNS,ENTERTAIMENT.
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