Theater Review: 'Chaz Esposito Sings Legends of the 60s'

Review by Nancy Sasso Janis

The Legacy Theatre in Branford’s fifth season of operation continues with “Chaz Esposito Sings Legends of the ‘60.”

Esposito is back at Legacy Theatre having performed in their inaugural production of “Barefoot in the Park.” He returns to the theater with “Legends,” a new production that is more a nightclub act than a jukebox musical.

The performer writes that he entered the entertainment business as a teen, performing his act in some of the last remaining nightclub spaces. One of his proudest accomplishments was the title role in the original Off-Broadway musical “Mack the Knife..the life and music of Bobby Darin,” a show that was given endorsement of Darin’s estate. Esposito has toured extensively in this role to casinos and theaters around the country, and has his own production company in Connecticut, World Promotions.

Esposito performs a long list of hits from the very late 1950’s to the early 1970’s, including the music of iconic male vocalists like Bobby Darin, Neil Diamond, Dion, Tom Jones, Neil Sedaka, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and Frankie Valli.

There are also some songs made famous by Sonny and Cher, Satchmo (complete with a slide show,) The Turtles, The Rascals, The Beatles, the Monkees, and Dusty Springfield. Musical highlights include “That's Life,” “I'm a Believer,” “It's Not Unusual,” “Can't Take My Eyes off You,” “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,” “Hey Paula” and the iconic “Sweet Caroline.”

In between the songs, Exposito offers some insights into the history of the piece and/or the artist who made it famous. He also offers some comedy that he admits is R-rated.

The performer is backed by a fabulous 12-piece band under the direction of the music director Robert Nolte on drums. There is plenty of brass when needed and Michael Roth nails the guitar lines. David Bell covers piano and also sings backup.

Stephanie Stiefel Williams, co-founder of the theater and Trustee Chair, and Kayla Cook on backup vocals. The two completely change costumes during the intermission, while Esposito changes his sparkly jackets.

Esposito calls up each of the ladies to perform a duet, and he also invites the audience to participate for a few important choruses.

Equity member T Rick Jones is the production stage manager. The lighting is designed by Jamie Burnett and JP Queenan is in charge of the sound design.

The matinee audience appreciated the variety of the musical numbers from the era, and the songs from the late 60s and early 70s will probably appeal to those of us that are slightly younger. I overheard one patron say that the first act reminded him of performances aboard a cruise ship.

Head to Legacy Theatre to jam out with Chaz and the wonderful musicians in his band for the next two weekends through May 18. Seating is theater style and the performance is divided into two acts.

Legacy restored the historic Stony Creek Puppet House to produce year-round seasons of performances. It is located at 128 Thimble Islands Rd. in Branford. There is limited street parking, and patrons may also utilize the parking lot located behind the nearby Stony Creek Museum, or at the Old School House at 28 School Street. Tickets available at legacytheatrect.org.

Next up at Legacy will be a new work, “Long Days,” running June 12 - 29, followed by “Sweeney Todd" in August. Broadway’s Norbert Leo Butz will perform with John McDaniel at the piano on July 27.