Highlight of the week! Start Spreading the News...

Sit back, grab a cocktail, and relax.  Listen to the music of a simpler time, when hit songs weren't auto-tuned to death and when artists couldn't rely on youtube to become famous.

Cary Hoffman stars in his autobiographical off Broadway musical, "My Sinatra," playing at the Ha! Comedy Club.  I have been up on that same stage before, singing karaoke (something else the Comedy Club hosts).  Suffice it to say I think the microphone was happier in Hoffman's hands.

I wasn't quite sure of what to expect at first.  As he explains however, the point of the show is not to imitate Sinatra, but rather to describe what it was like growing up in admiration of the big band superstars of the 40s and 50s.  What is brilliant about the performance is that he intertwines historic events (about which we already know) with his personal life and Jewish family (about which we do not).  Even though it takes place half a century ago, he speaks to many challenges still relevant and relatable today.

Hoffman has an innocent but witty sense of humor, and interacts well with the audience (occasionally commenting on reactions he gets).  From the art of how to snap to how to walk the stage, he clearly lets you know of his passion.  Hoffman sings and speaks about how Ole Blue Eyes influenced everything he did, appropriately naming it his "obsession."  

We all have stories, we all have dreams.  He is simply telling us his with a tune and a microphone (held intentionally in his left hand).  

Of course, out of respect for the performers they didn't allow photos or videos to be taken, but I did manage to take a photo of the stage before curtain call:

If you'd like a sample, this is Cary singing Sinatra.  And while I can't speak for the bobby soxers' idol himself, those of you who have seen the show would probably agree with me that yes, Sinatra DID like the demo.