‘Scintas’ bring new dimension to Rio

Joe Delaney

Friday, April 27, 2001 | 8:51 a.m.

"The Scintas" (pronounced Shin-tahs) made it official this week. The Rio Copacabana showroom should be their domain for the foreseeable future. The multitalented Americans of Sicilian descent, Joe Scinta and his younger brother, Frank, had to settle for a tie for second place to sister Chrissi, who all but stole the show we attended.

Drummer Peter O'Donnell, a token Irish "Scinta," completes the original foursome. They are supplemented here by two splendid musicians, Tom Marth and Marc Chauvette, playing bass guitar and guitar and keyboards, respectively.

The show is a fresh, updated version of the great entertainment groups of the past such as the Mary Kaye Trio and the Characters, with an ample serving of comedy, music and impressions.

The opening was a rousing rendition of the Sister Sledge classic "We Are Family." James Taylor's "How Sweet It Is" was a strong follow-up, followed by Frank's vaudeville-like turn, switching rapidly from piano to spoons to the banjo, and finally some choice Italian guitar.

Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" was a heavy joint effort, then Frank and O'Donnell had fun as Simon and Garfunkel, followed by Joe's caricature of Mick Jagger. Frank hit with an all-out effort on Merle Haggard's "Working Man Blues."

Chrissi first appeared in the opener and returned for two songs, "To Love You More" and a Streisand-like "Don't Rain on My Parade." Joe did a number by and on Neil Diamond, then it went back to Frank as Louis Armstrong singing "What A Wonderful World," plus a humorous put-on of Tony Bennett's "I Left My Heart in San Francisco."

Frank continued with accurate carbons of Lou Rawls, Ray Charles and Johnny Mathis, then closed in the center of the audience with Sinatra singing "All the Way." Chrissi continued to build with a disco segment.

Frank, as Dean Martin, joined Joe, as Jerry Lewis, singing a duet on "Just a Simple Melody," plus a couple of typical Martin and Lewis comedy bits. "Louie Louie" involved the audience nicely. Joe had his most hilarious moment as Joe Cocker singing "You Are So Beautiful." Frank returned as Tom Jones, then became George Burns for "Up a Lazy River" and "I Wish I Were 18 Again" -- strong stuff.

Chrissi received a deserved standing ovation for "I Will Always Love You," the best I've heard it sung. The two brothers had fun with the subject of standing ovations, with even Peter O'Donnell earning one.

Frank and Chrissi joined on a duet made popular by Andrea Bocelli, "The Prayer," and the audience was on its feet once more. "That's What Friends Are For" was the first closer and "Circle of Life," a fitting finale.

Forget comparisons: "The Scintas" offer a completely different show from any of the other impressionists in town. Special kudos go to Blair Farrington, creative director and producer for "The Scintas," whose nicely added expert touches helped prove that "The Scintas" are a viable Las Vegas main-showroom headliner act.