The Three “Shades” of Canadian Michael Bublé’s musical repertoire are: Sinatra’s and his type of songs, well-liked contemporary pop tunes, and finally Motown and Rock hits. Going through representative selections at Florida Studio Theater, three men sing and act in different “shades” but also in excellent harmony together. What’s old seems new again, and what’s new is up-to-the-minute relevant.
Christopher McCrewell centers the trio. He goes solo with “Mack the Knife” but differs from Bublé’s treatment (or the very popular Bobby Darin’s). McCrewell renders a fine “Cry Me a River” as well as “Fever” — two Bublé recordings which were first made hits by women.
Danny Drewes is the most crooner-like and stands out in the early part of a Sinatra medley that includes “I’ve Got the World on a String” and “Come Fly with Me.” He also stars singing “All of Me” and later rolls himself well into a much different “Crazy Love.”
Adam Rennie highlights Motown and Rock ’N Roll but at first is melodious with “That’s Life” and a great ending! In Act II, “Burning Love” takes over.
Favorites that the men sing mainly as a group include “Feeling Good,” “The Best Is Yet to Come,” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” “Save the Last Dance for Me” shows their ability to dance, limited though their choreography must be on FST”s Goldstein Cabaret stage.
Surprisingly, little real script is in evidence but, instead, mostly patter about Michael Bublé’s life and career. Luckily, FST has fuller details in its Stage Directions publication mailed to or set out for patrons.
With a limited stage space, Bruce Price has varied set design with a hint in white of an urban scene underneath the fulsome sheered curtain of the background arch. Michael Pasquini provides crucial twinkling lights on the curtain and still ones on the arch with a very colorful light scheme illuminating all the action onstage. Thus, the uncredited costumes—black formals with white shirts and long black ties—never look funereal.
Thom Korp’s sound design is consistent in volume, not giving too much to the singers’ hand-held microphones. One can actually make out the lyrics!
The trio dedicates the last song to the audience: “Can’t Help Falling in Love with You.” On official opening night, audience response returned the sentiment.
