"MACK IS BACK" IGNITES BRANFORD'S LEGACY THEATRE

When you think of teenage heart throbs of the 1960’s, look no further than Bobby Darin, an American idol as a singer, musician, dancer, composer, activist in politics, actor and publisher. Born Walden Robert Cassotto, he began his career as a songwriter for Connie Francis, recording his first million-selling single with “Splish Splash” in 1958 at the age of 22. He took the name Darin when he began to record, modeling it after the actor Darren McQueen, TV’s Mike Hammer. Bobby Darin gained worldwide fame with his tunes “Dream Lover.” “Mack the Knife” and “Beyond the Sea.” His musical range included rock and roll, jazz, swing, folk, pop and country music. Along the way he performed in thirteen movies, in one of which he met and married Sandra Dee. Becoming politically active, he was at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angleses in June 1968 when Robert Kennedy was assassinated. That was also the year he discovered the woman who raised him was his grandmother and that his mother was actually the woman he thought was his sister. Both events affected him tremendously. In 1973, his childhood bouts with rheumatic fever took a toll and he died at age 37 after heart surgery. Now you have the unique opportunity to revisit Bobby Darin through the talented skills of Chaz Esposito at Branford’s Legacy Theatre in “MACK IS BACK…The Music of Bobby Darin” the weekend of May 26-28, featuring songs and stories about Darin’s life and career. You will also make the acquaintance of his “guys” like Steve Blauner, his long time manager, and the many entertainers like Wayne Newton, whose career he launched when he gave him the song “Danke Schoen” that sent him to stardom. In the year 2000, Esposito determined to devote a full evening to Darin and knew he first had to get the blessing from Blauner and the estate. He flew to California with a script, sang some tunes and won the whole enchilada when he received their blessing. In 15 years, Darin wrote or co-wrote 180 songs and bringing his music and memories to Esposito has been “exciting and fun." When Chaz Esposito isn’t channeling Bobby Darin, he runs World Casting, as a casting director and producer. For decades, he has helped clients find the best talents for their projects. In only 2-3 minutes, he assists clients in selecting actors for commercials. Finding the right person for a role is often like looking for a needle in a haystack. He calls it “a wonderful profession.” For tickets ($45-55), call the Legacy Theatre, 129 Thimble Island Road, Branford at 203-315-1901 or online at www.legacytheatrect.org. Performances are Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Masks are optional. Bobby Darin always wanted to be a legend by the age of 25. “My goal is to be remembered as a human being and as a great performer.” Watch Chaz Esposito help guarantee that legacy is fulfilled.