MY VIEW – By: Stephen Sorokoff
Every once in a while an audience is treated to a really special evening;
A performance that creates a lasting memory which stays with them forever. After attending those types of exceptional evenings, I usually find myself at the computer googling the bio. What’s the secret to the performer’s gift? For many years Lucie Arnaz has thrilled audiences, but her “Latin Roots” show at Feinstein’s at the Loews Regency is one that will permanently reside in my brain’s entertainment archives.
No need to google this time. The evening starts with an audio clip of Lucie’s father Desi introducing baby Lucie years ago. Then, as you are digesting that touching moment, music director Ron Abel gives the down beat and “Latin Roots” unfolds in all its exciting sounds and rhythms. If the room wasn’t so packed, I think a Conga line would have started snaking through the hotel, as this beautiful creation of Desilu Productions so expertly interpreted the intoxicating and pulsating Latin music of her father. Lucie’s song list went from “You and the Night and the Music” to “El Cumbanchero” – never missing just the right beat. This show generated lots of heat in Feinstein’s, but everyone got goose bumps as Ms. Arnaz ended with “Leader of the Band,” holding Desi’s straw hat high.
One of Ms. Arnaz’ long time fans, who also boasts one of the largest Lucille Ball memorabilia collections, had this to say:
“I think Lucie is the ultimate professional performer. She is very entertaining even when she forgets what she really wanted to say. When Ron went to get her script out of the dressing room, that didn’t bother me a bit because when she blows it, she makes sure you know it and she becomes even more entertaining. Even though I’ve heard her sing these very same songs a million times, every time is like the first—you can’t help but feel the love she has for her father…very special.” Glen Charlow
*Photo Credit: Stephen Sorokoff
*See Video by Magda Katz
Posted by Sandi Durell
on January 7, 2012. Filed under Cabaret,COLUMNS,ENTERTAIMENT,Interviews with Magda.
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