Sinatra + Vegas = a great tribute

"SINATRA: DANCE WITH ME," through January 29, The Wynn, Las Vegas (888-320-7110); running time: one hour, 10 minute (no intermission)

LAS VEGAS — As you head out for your Las Vegas Bowl game road trip between Boise State and the University of Utah, perhaps you're thinking about what else you can do in Sin City to fill your time, and actually get your money's worth.

And there are few things that go as perfectly hand-in-hand as Frank Sinatra and Las Vegas.

What a fitting tribute to Ol' Blue Eyes — a tribute almost as big as the performer himself — to have creator, choreography and director Twyla Tharp's put her spin on Sinatra's music.

"Dance With Me" premiered last weekend for what would have been Sinatra's 95th birthday.

Tharp's similar production, the Tony Award-winning "Movin' Out," told a war-time story set to the music of Billy Joel, sung by a live band.

Unlike the Joel tuner, "Dance With Me" uses original mastered recordings of Sinatra. And the Vegas-size cherry on top is the 17 professional musicians, who sit on stage and "back" Sinatra, live.

What a thrill.

When Sinatra's golden voice drenches the audience in crystal clear high-definition sound, and the brass begins to wail, it's rather electric — like a Vegas marquee.

The show doesn't have much of a plot per se, it's just a night in a dance club as fabulous dancers pair up, break up and switch up their partnering. And they're terrific.

Across the board, all of the dancers, equally skilled in ballet, modern and jazz techniques, leap through Tharp's signature choreography without breaking a sweat.

"Stardust," "I've Got the World on a String," "Fly Me to the Moon" and "You Make Me Feel So Young," are just a handful of the 25 songs — the best of the Chairman of the Board's.

The show wraps with "The Way You Look Tonight," "My Way," and, of course, "New York, New York."

Tharp, one of the most accomplished and versatile artists working today, has contributed to Hollywood, Broadway, the Joffrey Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, the Paris Opera and many more.

Her inventive choreography has earned her a large list of accolades and awards.

Addressing the full house after the premiere, Tharp thanked Sinatra's family for allowing her to be part of such a rich legacy.

The only glitch in the beautiful production is it's just too short. Not only does the audience find themselves completely immersed in the music and movement, but for a $60-$80 ticket, 70 minutes (no intermission) feels just a bit too short. Especially for people like me who find Sinatra's rendition of the Great American Songbook utterly moving.

Still, for anyone who's had their fill of bowl game tailgating, obnoxious casinos and buffets, "Dance With Me," is the perfect escape.

e-mail: ehansen@desnews.com