“COME FLY AWAY” at the Pantages Theatre
A Monumental Mix of Sinatra Music and Twyla Tharp Choreography
By Debra Graff

The opening night presentation of COME FLY AWAY at the Pantages Theatre was gripping and spellbinding. From the red carpet moments, where Frank’s daughters, Tina Sinatra and Nancy Sinatra (“These Boots Are Made For Walkin”), veteran entertainers, Richard Chamberlain, Rip Taylor, Jo Anne Worley, and Jack Carter strolled, to the thrilling, touching finale of “New York, New York,” it was a breath taking affair beyond belief.

Between the enchanting, phenomenal routines, designed, directed, and conceived by highly acclaimed, accomplished, and innovative choreographer, Twyla Tharp (Movin’ Out), covering the gamut of jazz, modern, hip hop, ballet, ballroom; and exhilarating songs made famous by Frank Sinatra, the most celebrated crooner in recent history, performed by superbly skilled musicians, it was impossible to divert your eyes from the absorbing, alluring action for even a second.

The crowd appeared completely captivated, enthralled, and mesmerized, the instant the curtain opened. Nonstop riveting energy and astounding, remarkable talent, made the concluding standing ovation well deserved. The audience expressed amazement throughout, conveyed by intermittent outbreaks of applause, cheers, and ‘wows.’ An impressive uplifting, invigorating, and mind boggling production, COME FLY AWAY remains with you long after its mere 80 minutes, when you’ll yearn for more. If you’re one of the few who isn’t already a devoted Sinatra fan, his affecting voice will surely reach the depths of your heart and soul in a dramatic, profound way, leaving a lasting, indelible imprint. The crème de la crème share the stage, merging the finest maestros in dance and music, including local ace instrumentalists, gifted saxophonists Bob Sheppard, Gary Foster, and bassist, Chuck Berghofer.

Although there’s no speaking, a tale materializes through the sheer relevance of the lyrics; brilliant big band sound, portraying a character in itself; magnificent original arrangements by attendee Quincy Jones, Nelson Riddle, Neal Hefti, et.al., along with new versions; and expressive choreography executed with extraordinary proficiency. Coming off the current enthusiasm for dance evidenced by the successful “Dancing with the Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance,” COME FLY AWAY will sweep you off your feet for an evening of pure pleasure, delight, and a freshly found admiration for the genre. It won’t be easy to refrain from moving and grooving to the beat. You may notice yourself singing or humming memorable numbers, e.g. “Luck Be a Lady,” far into the following days.

I had the opportunity to interview Mallauri Esquibel (Fame, High School Musical 3) who plays Betsy and opens in every city. She revealed how exceedingly difficult the routines are, requiring straight dancing the entire time. Esquibel further explained it’s enormously hard on the boys and takes a tremendous toll on the girls’ bodies, due to all the lifting, which is why there are so many swings for each lead. Yet Mallauri declares, “That’s what makes it sorewarding.”

Since dancing has made a comeback on live television, Esquibel is “grateful to be in front of such receptive” theatre patrons who appreciate and respect the art. “This is one of the few shows in which the dancers aren’t just in the background,” Mallauri acknowledges. “They’re the stars,” representing the four main couples who impart a story, “about the ins and outs of love.” Esquibel’s happy to participate in COME FLY AWAY, because besides showcasing her pure dance expertise with a live orchestra to classic Sinatra, she gets to hone her acting ability. After eight shows a week for five months, Millauri hasn’t tired of the tunes, making her confident the crowds will, in turn, continue to find them exciting and
engrossing. Given that Tharp is a prominently regarded legend, worldrenowned in the dance field,

Esquibel has always wished for a chance to work with her. It’s firmly established that Tharp is very particular about the artists she chooses. Therefore, the fact that Tharp trusts Mallauri with her magnum opus is extremely satisfying. Esquibel calls the experience, “a dream come true.” Mallauri, who hails from Colorado, has been living in LA for eight years. Her family flew out for the LA premiere, in addition to her initial dance instructor, Marguerite Derricks (Austin Powers, FAME). Esquibel credits Derricks, saying, “She made me who I am.” COME FLY AWAY, Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood. Thru Nov. 6. Tues-Fri 8p, Sat 2p/8p, Sun 1p/6:30p. Tickets: www.BroadwayLA.org; (800) 982-2787.