“Dino !An Evening with Dean Martin” Milwaukee Rep reviewed by Amy Menzel

[rating=4]If you told me Dino!, now playing at the Milwaukee Rep’s Stackner Cabaret theater, was brought to you by the letter ‘C,’ I would not be surprised. ‘C’ as in cabaret and crooning and cozy and cocktails – and, of course, cool, as in the King of Cool, himself, Mr. Dean Martin. Director Jonathan Hetler says he wants to help the audience “see the man behind the mic,” and this evening of songs and stories, written by playwright Armen Pandola, does just that.

The production features Tally Sessions as Dino, with music director/arranger PJ Ju accompanying. Together the two run through 23 numbers, including favorites such as “Everybody Needs Somebody,” “King of the Road,” “That’s Amore,” and “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head.” It’s fun to hear audience members react to hearing the first few notes of one of their favorites and even more fun to hear folks sing along (sometimes as invited, sometimes, it seems, as compelled). Then there are moments when the audience simply sits in awe, when it’s just Sessions’ voice, Ju’s accompaniment, and a collective breath of admiration.

The energy seemed to build throughout the opening night performance, which is probably a great sign for what’s to come in this run. By intermission, there was a buzz (and, during intermission, there was one woman joyfully singing in a bathroom stall). And the second half of the show crescendoed to an earnest round of applause.

In my last review (for Much Ado About Nothing, playing now through February 12 – check it out), I made a plug for The Rep’s awesome social media presence (follow if you don’t already). Their website (milwaukeerep.com) is also chalked full of fabulous content. There are engaging “Take Five” video sessions with artists for those interested in learning more about these folks and their perspectives and videos of rehearsals for folks who want a behind-the-scenes look or a little sneak peak. In one of the latter, Sessions talks about how Dean Martin “was like an old family friend.” That’s the feel you get as Sessions portrays Dino on the Stackner Cabaret stage. And, really, that’s the feel you get at the Milwaukee Rep. This theater contributes to the community as it continues to build community.

Dino! An Evening with Dean Martin is another great reason to make your way to the Milwaukee Rep soon.

★★★★

Dino! runs through March 19. Tickets start at $20 and can be purchased at milwaukeerep.com.

The show runs approximately two hours with a 20-minute intermission.

Milwaukee is a short ride from the North Shore and Chicago- the theater is easy to reach, food is available and parking is very reasonable