Frank Sinatra crooner headed to UPH for a night of Vegas-worthy glam
Frankie — and Dean — are Saratoga bound for the inaugural ‘500 Club’ UPH fundraiser, a night of music, dancing and supporting the performing arts.
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — Michael Dutra has sung Frank Sinatra tunes in the most storied locales in the country — everywhere from Atlantic City and the glam Stardust on the Las Vegas Strip, to nearby Rivers Casino. Now he’s headed to Saratoga Springs for the inaugural 500 Club, the first UPH fundraiser to be held at home (on Thursday, Nov. 6) in the theater.
“It’s an honor to be part of it,” says Dutra, who will perform hits such as “Fly Me to the Moon,” “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head,” and “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” with his performing partner Steven Palumbo singing the Dean Martin hits.
The Frank and Dean Tribute will bring the Rat Pack vibe to what promises to be a glamorous affair — with food by the Adelphi and live piano music.
“We’re turning the Great Hall into a nightclub, so you can cruise around and swoon to Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin,” says UPH Director Teddy Foster.
“Oh, we’ll encourage everyone to get up and dance,” Dutra says.
He also promises to bring the ‘60s-era Sin City flair reminiscent of the Sands Hotel in its glory days. “We’ll both be in tuxedos,” he says of her and longtime collaborator Palumbo. “There will be a little bit of jokes, some humor, and a lot of singing. There will be a couple of duets, but primarily I’ll be doing Frank and Steven will be performing Dean. We’ve been doing this type of show for 20 years, all over the country. Name it, and we’ve been booked there.”
“It’s going to be an awesome night, a real swanky night,” Foster says. “We’re going to have gambling — blackjack, craps and roulette, where you’ll gamble to win raffle tickets for our auction. Upstairs is going to look spectacular. Everything will be fabulous.”
All proceeds go to the nonprofit Universal Preservation Hall (25 Washington St.), home to Opera Saratoga. The theater has become the premier hotspot to catch classical music, comedy and other performing arts Downtown throughout the year — recently selling out such showstoppers as Béla Fleck’s Saratoga Book Festival opener and this weekend’s Pink Martini.
For more info and to grab your ticket, visit atuph.org.
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