Regis Philbin was quick to tell a sold out crowd at the Seneca Niagara Casino that he hadn’t “retired” he had simply moved on, and judging how well he still performs one can only hope he won’t retire anytime soon.
In addition to his skills as a television personality, Philbin is a pretty good singer. His musical set featured some anecdotes and a trip through what are now categorized as “standards.” While many pop artists and former rockers have attempted to tackle standards, including Rod Stewart and Paul McCartney, none have the background of Philbin who at 80 years young sings them with a reverence that is simply infectious.
Watching Philbin and his orchestra, one can only imagine what the state of live music was many years ago, with big bands. Many of the sounds produced by a traditional orchestra were replaced by synthesizers, but even the best synthesizer cannot replicate the sound of a full orchestra.
While witnessing his musicianship was a treat, the show was far more than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane. It was reminiscent of the great variety shows that dominated the television airwaves for many years, featuring fun banter between Philbin and his audience. When he improvises Philbin is at his best, and throughout the night he interacted with fans that would shout things out and even sang a duet with a gentleman from the audience, a part designed for a woman.
Throughout the evening Regis referenced both of his famous co-hosts Kathie Lee Gifford and Kelly Ripa and invited six women onstage to engage in banter with him. Of the six, a waitress from Canada whose language was a bit “saucy,” was by far the funniest. Even as the woman swore and made lewd comments about her ex-husband, Regis continued to egg her on and even dedicated a love song to her.
What made the evening special was that it is clear that each of Philbin’s shows are unique. He is an engaging entertainer and clearly still loves performing and his adoring fans and they love him right back.
Set List:
Maple Leaf Rag (Featuring Yerlow on piano)
You Make Me Feel So Young
If I could Read Your Mind
The Very Thought of You
Swanee
I’ve Got a Crush On You(medley)
She’s Funny That Way(medley)
Try a Little Tenderness(medley)
I Can’t Give You Anything but Love
You Made Me Love You
I’ve Grown Accustomed to Your Face
Me & My Shadow
Calendar Girls
Miss America
What a Wonderful World
All Photos by Gus Griesinger
We would like to thank Tony Astran from the Seneca Niagara Casino for allowing BackstageAxxess.com to review the show.
