Frank Sinatra Jr.

press release: The newly-restored Al. Ringling Theatre in Baraboo, closed since June 2015, will reopen its doors for a Centennial Celebration on Saturday, February 20, at 8:00pm.

Frank Sinatra Jr., son of the legendary Frank Sinatra, will perform to celebrate both what would have been his father’s 100th birthday, and the 100th birthday of the Al. Ringling Theatre.

The historic downtown Baraboo playhouse’s $3.1 million restoration will be ready for its “big reveal” at the February reopening. The “Al.”, as it is affectionately known locally, has been dark since June 2015. Beautiful finishes have been meticulously restored, and completely updated heating and cooling systems, wiring, new seats, and additional restrooms are just a few of the enhancements designed to enhance the comfort levels for theatregoers.

“We are thrilled to be able to present a performer like Frank Sinatra Jr. at the same time we reopen our doors to celebrate 100 years of the Al. Ringling Theatre as well as the 100th birthday of Frank Sinatra,” said Executive Director Stephanie Miller-Lamb. “It’s really a once in a lifetime opportunity,” she said.

Theatre patrons will enjoy the first show of the “Next 100 Years” in much the same elegant style their predecessors experienced in in 1915. At that time, the theater opened to a Broadway touring company for a play called “Lady Luxury.”

Sinatra Sings Sinatra, As I Remember It is a one of a kind multi-media experience. In stories, photos, videos and songs, Frank Sinatra Jr. delivers first-hand recollections of life on and off stage with his iconic father. The Sinatra legend began growing from the first hits with the big bands of Harry James and Tommy Dorsey to the Voice, as he became known in 1946 that made the bobbysoxers swoon.  In later years he became known as The Chairman of the Board and eventually, Ol’ Blue Eyes, but who was the man? This show explains it all with excerpts from his films, family photos and insights into the world’s greatest entertainer that can only come from his son. Join Frank Sinatra Jr. and share in the Centennial Celebration of the music, life, and legend of Sinatra. Above all, this evening is about the music of Sinatra.  “Come Fly With Me,” “New York, New York,” and of course, “My Way” backed by a talented band featuring many members who played with Sinatra Sr.

Frank Sinatra Jr. was born in New Jersey, raised in California, and educated in the showrooms of Las Vegas and on stages all over the world. The songs of Sinatra need to be sung and Frank Jr. has inherited that honor. In song and style Frank Sinatra Jr. pays homage to his father, the singer, the man, and the music that defines the Sinatra legend with his current show, “Sinatra Sings Sinatra.” Audiences who have attended these performances have come away delighted to have heard the music of Sinatra performed by the greatest living authority on Sinatra music, who is also the one vocalist most qualified to sing them.

At his father’s request, Frank served as conductor and musical director for Frank Sr.’s final years of live performing, earning Frank Jr. the respect of the musicians and those in the audience for the devotion and skill he brought to the job. Currently, Frank enjoys touring in many countries, on the stages of casino show rooms, performing art centers, theaters, and the halls of the world's greatest symphony orchestras.

Tickets became available Monday, January 18. Tickets at the $55 level have sold out, but callers are still able to have their name on a list should any of those seats become available. The next level of tickets starts at $150, and for $350, patrons will receive preferred seating and a trolley ride to a pre-show dinner at The Chop House in Wisconsin Dells. For $600, patrons will have premier seating, their name listed as a sponsor in the program, a trolley ride to the pre-show dinner at The Chop House, a post-show reception with Meet & Greet, and a commemorative souvenir.

The performance is supported in part by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board, with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts. Tickets can be purchased by calling 608-356-8864. Al. Ringling Theatre Friends is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a center for the arts, culture, and entertainment in a unique historic theatre palace