Disparate Jones, Diller still thrill crowds in Stardust show

Joe Delaney

Friday, April 14, 2000 | 9:19 a.m.

Joe Delaney

Jack Jones and Phyllis Diller, appearing together through Saturday in the Stardust's Wayne Newton Theatre, are a most compatible combination, with Diller's rapid-fire, laugh-a-line delivery for 30 nonstop minutes followed by a super-relaxed Jones, in the finest fettle, backed by conductor-pianist Joe Massimino and a supercharged full orchestral complement assembled by Johnny Haig, longtime musical director at Caesars Palace.

Diller refers to herself as the "Madonna of the Geritol set." The wild get-up, self-deprecation plus hilarious dismantling of husband Fang and his mother are the main areas, but there are very funny new lines interspersed with tried-and-true vintage jokes. The audience, including this critic, loved her.

Jones, possessor of one of the finest vocal instruments in the business, opened with "All or Nothing at All"; set the starting time frame, circa 1960, with "Wives and Lovers" and followed by "Lollypops and Roses," two mega-hit singles that were actually released in reverse order. His special lyrics for "Wives and Lovers," aimed at the males in the audience, was humorous and took the edge off the original lyric, making it no longer politically incorrect.

"Call Me Irresponsible," "The Impossible Dream" and the theme to "The Love Boat," were responded to with equal enthusiasm. He introduced Geraldine Saunders, author of the book on which "The Love Boat" television series was based. He paid tribute to the late Joe Williams and sang "A Child Is Born," written by Thad Jones, for a film showing his daughter Nicolle.

"Mack the Knife" had special lyrics as a tribute to the late Ella Fitzgerald and was a show high spot. Jones received a Grammy nomination for his album tribute to Tony Bennett last year. "Who Can I Turn To" and "I Want To Be Around" were dedicated to Bennett.

Frank Sinatra was memorialized with "It Was a Very Good Year," "Night and Day," "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning," "Angel Eyes" and "I've Got You Under My Skin." He made a brief commentary on Sinatra's funeral service, ending with "Put Your Dreams Away," a warm, heartfelt closer. "Luck Be A Lady" came next, and "Music of the Night" and another Joe Williams favorite, "Here's to Life," concluded the performance.

Jones is doing tributes, not impressions, making the entire program even more impressive. Both Jones and Diller deserved standing ovations. They each got one from me. It was a very good night. Don't let this show get away; they are only here through Saturday.