by Norm Johnson

Created on: June 26, 2009   Last Updated: June 28, 2009

TENOR WOWS 'EM AT LA SCALA LAS VEGAS

We ventured over to the fabulous La Scala Italian Ristorante, 1020 E. Desert Inn, to not only savor a fine dinner by chef Roberto Perotti, but to listen to our buddy, Teddy Davey, sing some great songs.

Davey, one of the original Las Vegas Tenors, was on his own this evening and was absolutely at the top of his game. Accompanying him on the magic keyboards was another good friend, Tommy Deering. The two excellent musicians (Davey's voice and Tommy's artistry on the ivories), put together a wonderful hour of music, ranging from Opera to Sinatra, to Oldies but Goodies.

The first song was a wonderful rendition of "Almost Like Being in Love,"followed by an original song by Deering, "Another Vintage Year," referring to the fine wine discovered by Tommy and his wife, Ginny, as they drove through the wine country of Californiaa few years back. Of course with his tenor background, Davey next sang a beautiful "Forget Domani" and "AL Di La."

The Frank Sinatra years were covered nicely with "You Make Me Feel So Young" and "Young at Heart." What is nice is that Teddy explains a little bit about each song, much like "The Man" used to do when performing a particular song. It helps a lot, especially for those who do not speak Italian (like this writer).

Another highlight (believe me there were a number of them) was the presentation of a Nat King Cole hit, "Mona Lisa," and the theme from the film Godfather, "Speak Softly Love."

A funny thing happened during Teddy's singing of "Route 66,"which can only happen in a situation like the set up at La Scala. There were about 50 diners sitting at tables for two and four, with one group of six in the back of the room (believe me when I say you are not more than 10 yards from the stage, no matter where you are sitting). As Davey got going on the song and the audience began to get into the music, two of the girls from the group of six, stood up and began dancing. Teddy, being a smart entertainer, asked them to come on up to the stage and they did! They continued to dance, on the stage, as Davey continued to sing. Teddy and the "Route 66 Dancers" (as he named them), all received a rousing ovation at the conclusion of the music.

The next to last song was another Deering original, from the wine trip, titled "A Votre Sante (Here's to Your Health in French).

Jeanne Bavaro, who set up the entire program and produced the evening for La Scala, as part of her annual summer series, has titled this endeavor "To Italy With Love." Davey will return on June 28, with dinner served at 7 p.m. followed by the show. For $50 you get a fine dinner, specially prepared for that evening, some complimentary wine and great entertainment. One of this writers favorite entertainers (I have a bunch of them) will be holding forth in July, Ms. Denis Clemente. I suggest strongly that you call for reservation.

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