Anka belts out classics, pays homage to Sinatra

Joe Delaney

Friday, June 12, 1998 | 4:40 a.m.

Paul Anka, appearing Thursday through Sunday this week and next, in the Mirage Hotel's 1,500-seat Siegfried & Roy Theatre, had his fifth consecutive full house last night, an enthusiastic, responsive assemblage. This is his second week of three in place of the superstars of magic. Anka is nearly peerless when it comes to engaging, involving and entertaining an audience.

Author, composer, musician, singer and songwriter, Anka is backed by 15 superb musicians under the direction of reed virtuoso John Cross. After an impressive overture, Paul appears, singing "Diana," in the middle of the room and makes his way to the stage. He follows with the Cole Porter classic, "I've Got You Under My Skin." "Hold Me 'til The Morning Comes" is combined with "All By Myself" and succeeded by the constantly updated "Times Of Your Life" plus film.

"Mack, The Knife" is a swinging tribute to the late Bobby Darin. "Freedom," backed by a gospel choir, led to oldies, "Put Your Head On My Shoulder," "Puppy Love" and a rousing "She's A Lady," all sung in the audience. "I Don't Want To Sleep Alone" set up a Sammy Davis Jr. film clip singing Anka's "I'm Not Anyone," a powerful piece. "Jubilation" is a musical tour de force with well-deserved orchestral bows.

"My Way," as a duet with the Sinatra original recording, is the piece de resistance. "New York, New York" results in a second standing ovation. A rock 'n' roll medley, bows with the orchestra and a "My Way" reprise has them standing again and asking for more.

Comedian Stewie Stone's well-chosen, warm 20 minutes has maximum laughs and sets up Anka's overture perfectly.

JOE DELANEY is a SUN entertainment critic.