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Look out. Old Mackie is back in town!
WMHO presents 'Home for the Holidays with Bobby Darin' now through Jan. 10
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| His career took off in 1958 after a bet with radio DJ Murray "the K" Kaufman that he could not write a song that began with the words "Splish, splash, I was takin' a bath." |
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November 19, 2009 | 01:31 PM
When he was 8 years old, Bobby Darin overheard a doctor tell his mother that he would be lucky to reach the age of 16. Frail and sickly as an infant, and growing up in an impoverished household, the boy had been stricken with multiple recurring bouts of rheumatic fever, leaving him with a seriously weakened heart. Motivated by the constant knowledge that his life would probably be short, the ambitious young man vowed that he would work hard to make his mark in the world. Darin did die young, at 37, but his talent and drive gained him the stature he sought, and along the way, he became a legend of enduring fame.
The story of Bobby Darin is being presented by the Ward Melville Heritage Organization via a unique, interactive musical theatrical experience, "Home for the Holidays with Bobby Darin."
The format for the presentation at the WMHO's Educational and Cultural Center in Stony Brook is a stage set for The Faye Emerson Show, where the audience plays the role of a television studio audience circa 1962. The intimate setting is typical of an early 1960s live broadcast from the "home" of Miss Emerson, which has been lavishly decorated for the holidays. The hostess chats with her guest and the audience and has him perform for them.
Guest star Bobby Darin, played by actor Adam Newman, recounts the highlights of his life and career and sings a number of his hit songs. The throwback image is complete with stage furnishings from the era, commercial breaks and an audience participation segment. The glamorous Miss Emerson (Christine Jordan), and her stage manager/assistant, Rosie (Kim Dufrenoy) entertain both their guest and the viewers of the TV show, and the presentation is followed by a luncheon and tea for the audience.
The performance is the creation of Sal St. George, who has used a similar premise to stage tributes to other stars of the past, such as Perry Como, Debbie Reynolds, Nat King Cole and Sammy Davis Jr. "We try to capture the energy and spirit that Bobby Darin projected," St. George explained during a dress rehearsal a week before opening night. "If his life had not been cut short, he could have reached the status of an Elvis and would be considered one of the all-time greats of the era."
Newman spent considerable time researching Darin's life and career for his role and has incorporated the late singer's mannerisms into his portrayal. Darin fans will undoubtedly recognize his characteristic gestures during the rousing productions of his hits, such as "Splish, Splash," "Dream Lover," "Beyond the Sea" and "Mack the Knife." The attention to detail, along with the enthusiasm and professionalism of the cast, gives audiences an authentic feel for the times.
Born into a poor Bronx family and plagued by illness, Darin displayed an innate talent for music at an early age. By the time he was a teenager, he could play several instruments, including piano, drums and guitar. He later added the harmonica and the xylophone. An outstanding student, Darin graduated from the prestigious Bronx High School of Science and went on to attend Hunter College on a scholarship.
Wanting a career in the theater, he dropped out of college to play small nightclubs around the city with a musical combo. He got his first break in 1956 when he began songwriting and landed a contract with Decca Records. Darin wrote for a number of rock and roll stars, notably Connie Francis, but, after leaving Decca for Atlantic Records, he began to write and arrange music for himself.
His career took off in 1958 when, on a bet with radio DJ Murray "the K" Kaufman that he could not write a song that began with the words "Splish, splash, I was takin' a bath." Darin wrote and recorded "Splish, Splash." The song was an instant hit, selling more than a million copies. In 1959, Darin recorded "Dream Lover," which became a multimillion seller. His iconic recording of "Mack the Knife" received the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1960 and garnered Darin an additional Grammy for Best New Artist. He followed with "Beyond the Sea" and suddenly found himself a very much sought-after star.
Darin set all-time attendance records at the Copacabana nightclub in New York City, forcing the establishment to fill the dance floor, normally part of the performance area, with extra seating. Darin also headlined at the major casinos in Las Vegas.
In addition to music, Darin took a turn at acting, performing in a number movies and on television, including on his own variety show. In 1962, he won the Golden Globe Award for Most Promising Newcomer. In 1963, he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor and also won the French Film Critics Award for Best Actor at the Cannes Film Festival for "Captain Newman, M.D."
With the freedom to pursue his own creative interests, Darin began to experiment with other types of music, scoring hits with songs like "Things" and "If I were a Carpenter." But the health issues that had dogged him all his life caught up with him, and Darin underwent his first heart surgery in January of 1971. He never totally recovered and was often administered oxygen after his Las Vegas performances.
In 1973, Darin's health took a turn for the worse. After failing to take medication prescribed to protect his heart before a dental visit, he developed blood poisoning, weakening his body and damaging one of his heart valves. In December of 1973, he underwent extensive surgery to repair two artificial heart valves received in a previous operation, and, although the operation was initially thought to be successful, Darin died only minutes afterward in the recovery room without regaining consciousness. In accordance with his wishes, his body was donated to medical science and there was no memorial service.
Bobby Darin was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Hit Parade Hall of Fame. He also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The Ward Melville Heritage Organization presents a musical theater tribute performance, Home for the Holidays with Bobby Darin, a St. George production, at WMHO's Stony Brook Educational and Cultural Center in Stony Brook Village. Ongoing performances will take place on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays (11:30 am) and Sundays (12:30 pm). Performance dates are Nov. 19, 21, 22, 28, 29; Dec. 2, 3, 5, 9, 10, 12, 13, 16, 17, 19, 20; Jan. 6, 7, 9, 10. Advance reservations are required.
General admission is $45, $42 for seniors 60 and over and $40 for groups of 20 or more. Price includes high-tea luncheon and dessert. Call 689-5888 for reservations. For more information, visit www.wmho.org.
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