MTP “Come Fly with Me” a Real Kick in the Head

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Mill Town Player’s limited-run “Come Fly with Me” tribute to crooners is an absolute kick in the head.

The musical jukebox, featuring songs stamped forever in many of our memories, pays tribute to Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Andy Williams, Bobby Darin, Nat King Cole and others, had an almost-full house at opening night smiling, bobbing their heads and even a few snapping their fingers for the tribute.

I have seen more than a few performances at MTP, and am not sure I have seen a happier audience during and after a show.

A solid variety of vocalists and a hep cat band kept things moving at a rapid pace.

Seth Hilderbrand was right in the hip pocket, especially on Sinatra numbers. Hilderbrand might have been born in the wrong era, because his swagger and voice fit the music so well. Rick Connor’s wildly energetic “That’s Life” at the end of the first act brought down the house. Connor also clobbered “You Make Me Feel So Young.” Mr. Mill Town Will Ragland showed off his chops as well, especially on “Stardust.” And with the biggest voice of the show Griffin Lewis kicked everyone in the head to start the show with the Dean Martin classic. Lewis seemed to be holding back until the “My Way” finale which brought the crowd to its feet. The rest of the crooners – Todd Janssen, Jake Stewart and Cameron Woodson - brought life with their own tuxedoed vocal licks to the show.

This is a mini-review, so you’ll have to see why for yourself.

“Come Fly with Me” is a tonic for troubled times and runs through Sunday. Tickets are limited, and you don’t want to miss this one.

My hope is this leads to more shows with big vocal performances from the 1930s-1950s, perhaps a women’s event featuring big band singers and hip women vocalists of the era such as Ella Fitzgerald.

And maybe, if Santa grants my wish this year, we’ll get a Big Band Christmas Show from the Mill Town Players.