“The Best Is Yet To Come- Sean Allan Krill sings Tony Bennett”

For many years, suburbanites ( and city dwellers as well) have enjoyed the great musical productions at Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre. But there is another side to this venue. That side is Artists Live Lounge, a company founded and operated by  Michael Ingersoll and Angela Ingersol. They are both wonderful performers who have worked on Broadway and gthe area theaters. The Artists Lounge Live brings us many shows that highlight the performances of some very special stars , such as karen Carpenter, Paul McCartney, Judy Garland and a host of others. Their latest, or should I say newest is “The Best Is Yet To Come” Sean Allan Krill sings Tony Bennett, which we just witnessed on a Tuesday afternoon in Lincolnshire along with an almost full house.

The production, two acts, running close to two hours with one intermission, was quite exciting. Krill, who has done a number of shows on the stage at The Marriott over the years, has also done Broadway and has been on TV ( Blue Bloods) and has a marvelous vocal range. Part of what the show is, is in fact a biography about the fantastic Tony Bennett, his life, his music and his personality, all told through Mr. Krill and his guests ( yes, this is not a solo show). He talks about the man and his music along with his art and being in Lincolnshire, the love that Tony had for Chicago and the area surrounding it.

Side note: 1960, Tony Bennett decided he needed to do something special and become an actor. Herb Rogers, owner of Music Theatre and Tenthouse Theatre, both in Highland Park, brought Tony in to do Sky Masterson in “Guys and Dolls”. Ray Raynor, a local Chicago TV legend handled Nathan Detroit.I was a recent GB high school graduate and was brought on as an apprentice ( to learn the ropes). I was the only apprentice with a valid drivers license, so I was given the oldsmobile convertible and assigned to be Mr. Bennett’s driver. I was also his “dresser” as he had to make some quick changes off stage. Theater in the round had no real backstage, so I had to make the change as he ran up one aisle, and them ran back onstage in the next aisle. We always made it, but there were times I needed to sit down and relax for five minutes. I still remember those days and the fun we head working lines.

The acting was mentioned in the show and stories about his family, career, artistry, family and more all accompanied by the wonderful songs of Tony Bennett. “I Left My Heart In San Francisco”, “Fly Me To The Moon”, “Stranger in Paradise”, “Because of You”,”Taking A Chance On Love”, “Chicago”, “Rags To Riches” and much more, all with wonderful anecdotes and stories of mr. Bennett and also Krill’s experience with Chicago area theater and those that completed his life.

Part of the show was a memoriam to a Chicago actor that passed away many years ago, Guy Adkins ( a terrific award winning performer) and his current partner, Harry Bouvy along with songs from the Ingersoll’s,  and Nancy Voigts ( who had a story about Adkins as well). It was a nice tribute to a fine performer, but the show should really have been all Tony Bennett, Broadway star Krill commemorates the artistry and humanitarian spirit that made Bennett one of the most celebrated crooners of all time. Featuring a stellar jazz band.

This is one of the great shows that are produced by Artists Lounge Live Productions.

for info visit www.artistsloungelive.com

All of their shows are terrific, entertaining and educational. What a wonderful experience!

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