THE SCINTAS
The Scintas aren't your typical entertainers. They inject their show with such warmth and humor, that you'll be rooting for them the whole way through. With their own special twist, this Sicilian family illuminates the showroom as they relate their experiences while growing up in Buffalo, N.Y., and how it has affected their lives.
The quartet of Joe, Frank and Chrissi Scinta and their "Scinta of a different name," Peter O'Donnell, effortlessly combine brilliant comedy and breathtaking vocals, and throw in a little ribbing for good measure.
Among the show's highlights are the musical impressions that Frank and Joe perform. Joe starts with an impression of Neil Diamond (his "lead-singer look" is priceless) spurring a madcap battle of one-upsmanship between the siblings, as Frank performs rapid-fire impressions of Louis Armstrong, Johnny Mathis and Tom Jones' - ummm - bulge.
Frank and Joe come together in their Beatles act, but it's O'Donnell's Ringo Starr who takes the lead (and the limelight) on "A Little Help From My Friends."
It's nice to hear more from O'Donnell than just commentary, however brief. But it is the phenomenal talents of Chrissi, the youngest Scinta, that steal the show. Her solo songs are always a hit with the crowd, but it is her duet with Frank on the Andrea Bocelli/Celine Dion song, "The Prayer," that brings the house down.
Another showstopper is Frank's turn on the piano in a tribute to his late father. He handles "Piano Man" and the theme from "The Godfather" with ease. His musical talent is undeniable and the passion behind the songs make them some of the show's best.
This is why the Scintas succeed. Behind every joke, impression or song there is an underlying emotion, a story that makes it human. We feel we know the Scintas, and for one night have become part of their family.
While the Scintas' show has always focused on family, an emphasis is now placed on patriotism in the wake of worldwide events. The show ends with a tribute to veterans and the armed forces while Frank sings Ray Charles' "America."
It's nice to see a family with such grace and warmth succeed. Their devotion to each other is touching and their humility is refreshing among performers in Vegas. At times the Scintas will pull at your heartstrings and make your gut ache, but in the end they'll always smother you with love.
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