Rick Faugno is 30, but his musical choices can be appreciated by all ages. Rick’s one man 80 minute song and dance show at South Point on Sunday May 30 at 3 p.m. is titled “Songs My Idols Sang (And Danced). His  performance includes the songs and/or dances of the likes of Fred Astaire, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr, Gene Kelly, and Tony Bennett. I thoroughly enjoyed the production when I saw it two months ago

Faugno plays the role of Frankie Valli in the hit musical Jersey Boys playing at the Palazzo, but contractual agreements prohibit him from sharing that music on any other stage.  That’s fine.

As Rick tells the story of his life through words, songs, and dancing, he incorporates classics and favorites such as “I Feel A Song Comin’ On,” “Without A Song,”   “Fly Me To The Moon,” and “I’ve Got you Under My Skin.”

He is backed by seven talented musicians led by his Jersey Boys musical conductor Keith Thompson.  This performer is like a visitor that’s come through a time machine. There’s no modern twist added to the songs, no laser lights or loud music.  When he does numbers like “Stepping Out with My Baby” or Straighten Up and Fly Right” he channels the feelings that the original artists used as they interpreted the material.

Rick uses a broom as the perfect prop to dance his way through “Putting on the Ritz”.  As we move forward in his life story, he explains the influences his parents and grandmother had on his musical choices and approach to his craft.

Rick was tap dancing at age four and made his Broadway debut at 12 in the Will Rodgers Follies.  That helps explains how he has managed to hone his craft so well.  Rick is slight in build and light on his feet with a poise, grace, and understanding of his material that is way beyond his years.

His Broadway theatre credits include performances in “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” “Conversations With My Father,” “Wonderful Town,” “Fosse,” and the national tours of “Jersey Boys,” “The Boy Friend,” and “Fosse.” He also gives credit to his fiancée Joyce Chittick, “my love and inspiration”  who was instrumental in the creation of this show and who shares the stage as his love interest in “Jersey Boys”.

Rick’s interpretation of Sammy Davis Jrs’  Bojangles is a show stopper.  He describes Sammy as a Renaissance Man and says that is what he wants to be. I think he’s there.

Rick just released his debut CD, “Songs My Idols Sang (and Danced)!” available at the Palazzo and online at www.cdbaby.com. For more information, visit Rick’s website http://web.mac.com/rickfaugno.

Rick will be at South Point on May 30 at 3 p.m. Tickets for the new $50 VIP package include access to pre-show sound check from 1:15 pm to 1:45 pm, followed by meet and greet, champagne toast, autographed photo, $5 voucher for his new CD, and preferred seating ticket of Faugno’s recommended “best seats in the house,” based on availability. Other tickets are priced at $20, $25 and $30.  Call 797-8055 or buy tickets online at www.southpointcasino.com, and at the South Point Box Office, 9777 Las Vegas Boulevard South.

By Dianne R. Davis

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