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« Roush Dispatch
Tony Bennett's Instant Classic
Consider this an unqualified rave. NBC is offering a deluxe sweeps and holiday treat in Tuesday’s prime-time special Tony Bennett: An American Classic (8/7c), which is as lustrously filmed as it is impeccably sung. For those of us who’ve been waiting for Oscar-nominated director Rob Marshall (Chicago) to tackle a new musical project, here it is. Marshall has lovingly conceived and masterfully executed a shimmering, swinging hour of razzle-dazzle showmanship that redefines what a variety special can be.
I’m tempted to say they don’t make ’em like this anymore, but the truth is, even back when they did, they didn’t make ’em this good very often. (What this special reminded me of most, especially in the elaborate and evocative production numbers, was Bob Fosse’s landmark Liza With a Z special that Showtime so magnificently resurrected and restored earlier this year.)
This is the rare music special that looks as good as it sounds. And it sounds spectacular. Inspired by Bennett’s new hit Duets CD, most of the hour is comprised of the living legend singing alongside other musical icons. It opens with Bennett hauntingly joined in a dark, cavernous theater by Barbra Streisand on the song Smile. It closes with Bennett delivering his signature song, I Left My Heart in San Francisco, in a memorable solo. Like Bennett himself, this is a class act all the way.
Succinct biographical sketches are provided by the likes of Billy Crystal, Bruce Willis, John Travolta and Robert De Niro, as we track the singer’s progression from the era of swing and jazz (a Chicago-esque presentation of Sing You Sinners with John Legend) through Las Vegas/Rat Pack headlining stardom (with showgirls and Elton John accompanying him on a nifty Rags to Riches) up to his reintroduction to a new generation on MTV (represented by Christina Aguilera and a sizzling version of Steppin’ Out With My Baby, which isn’t on the CD).
The show is one highlight after another, with never a lull. As Bennett teams with the remarkable k.d. lang for his breakthrough hit Because of You, and later with Diane Krall for The Best Is Yet to Come (staged in the style of a classic ’60s-era variety show, with a glimpse of a vintage NBC logo), and exuberantly with Stevie Wonder on For Once in My Life, you are witness to the essence of cool.
Tony Bennett turned 80 this year, but he seems ageless, timeless. There’s nothing old-fashioned about Tony Bennett: An American Classic. This is not to be confused with latter-day Bob Hope specials. There’s no cornball comedy or cheesy banter, just a love for performers and performing that transcends musical and TV genres. This is one for the ages, and should serve as a model for anyone desiring to do a music special in the future. This is not just a salute to a great singer, but a celebration of a life as art. Everyone involved should get those Emmy speeches ready.
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Nov 21, 2006 8:47 AM
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I saw Tony Bennett in Vegas last month with my mom. I am solidly middle-aged but always considered Tony a little before my time. Maybe 15 years ago it suddenly seemed everyone was saying Tony was the It guy with the youngsters, and at the time my reaction was "Come on, really?" After having seen him recently, I have to say he is the real deal. Performers like Tony Bennett come along once in a lifetime. His voice is literally better than ever, his emotion is genuine. I got chills several times during his show in Vegas (where, mind you, he performed with a 4-man combo, no back-up singers). Seeing Tony perform these beautiful duets should be nothing short of spectacular. I am looking forward to it. Enjoy, everyone!
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Nov 21, 2006 10:54 AM
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I saw the show last night. And it is absolutely mesmerizing. It was beautifully done, the lighting, the dancers, the stage, the songs, and of course Tony himself. I have to admit he doesn't look 80. this is what evergreen is about!!
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Nov 22, 2006 8:28 AM
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It was simply amazing. So unbelievably well done, well-produced, beautiful... and of course Tony Bennett is amazing.
Just a great hour of music.
I totally agree, this special better get a slew of Emmys next year.
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Nov 24, 2006 10:20 PM
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I just wanted to thank you for the ray of hope to Bones fans in your latest scoop
http://www.tvguide.com/News-Views/Columnists/Ask-Matt/d...4-80D8-BE45C0EE3090}
I've been meaning to ask this question many, many times but was afraid to even put it out there for fear I'd remind the wrong person this very very bad idea. So, thank you for asking and let's hope the answer you got sticks.
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Nov 27, 2006 10:06 AM
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