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Meet the New Stars of 'FRANKLY FRANK'

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Meet the New Stars of 'FRANKLY FRANK'

Sinatra tribute rolls out fresh faces, a broader format, and renewed energy in its second year at Alexis Park Resort

Ryan Baker and Annie Lyon of FRANKLY FRANK

Start spreading the news. Another Modern Showrooms at Alexis Park production is receiving some TLC. But unlike BurlesQ, which shuttered indefinitely for a full revamp, FRANKLY FRANK continues to perform. And because the cast differs from show to show, each evening can now offer a unique experience.

Las Vegas headliners have been receiving a well-deserved scolding in recent months. Why? Outrageous pricing structures and ticketing methods have made it nearly impossible for casual fans to attend many shows. Along with fees and taxes, the base price of a ticket seems to continually reach new highs. That makes budget-friendly tribute shows more attractive than ever before.

This week marks a full year since FRANKLY, FRANK premiered at Alexis Park's Pegasus Showroom. It's billed as "The one and only intimate Frank Sinatra tribute show in Las Vegas". Audiences received a sneak preview in August of 2022 when original star Gary Anthony performed at a showcase to launch the newly remodeled Athena Showlounge.

As part of the resort's focus on retro-cool programming, FRANKLY FRANK slid nicely into a line-up that included salutes to The Carpenters, Elvis Presley, all-female Motown greats, and Neil Diamond. The show performed solidly (if not spectacularly) enough to justify a new lead when Anthony announced his departure just shy of the one-year mark.

In no time at all, Alexis Park showroom operator Pete Housley (of ADMIT.VIP Entertainment) announced that Dakota Horvath would be stepping into Sinatra's shoes. We told you about the swap right here. But a mere four weeks later, Horvath took to social media to inform fans that he was hitching a ride on the summer wind:

"After much debate, I’ve decided to step away from the Frankly Frank show for a little while to work on some other projects and to get my voice back 100% as I have felt I was not able to sound at my 100% best every night. After stepping away from music for 3 years and only singing periodically it has been difficult to sing 5 shows a week and be “ON” every single night."

Housley assured fans that Horvath would continue to remain involved behind the scenes: "Dakota Horvath is one of the most talented and professional performers I have ever worked with in my career. He and I are already collaborating on some new great things and he will stay a part of the Admit VIP family on and off stage."

Once again, FRANKLY FRANK quickly rebounded, this time with alternating male leads and the addition of a female vocalist. This writer attended a performance on October 24th, which featured Ryan Baker as Sinatra and Annie C. Lyon sharing the spotlight. Their schedule alternates with Michael Sinatra and Valita Leigh-Garcia (more on them in part two). Along with Lyon, the production has added a new opening number, additional songs, and beautiful duets. Baker is quick to point out that his take on FRANKLY FRANK is one of admiration, not impersonation. The handsome, charismatic crooner is familiar throughout the city for his appearances at the Italian American Club, Maxan Jazz, Rat Pack Is Back, Dispensary Lounge, Bootlegger Bistro, and Kenny Davidsen's Bowtie Cabaret.

[video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://vegas411-images.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/10023225/20231024_174048.mp4"][/video] Jazz singer Ryan Baker grew up in the Long Island, New York area. He relocated to Las Vegas twenty years ago and has been stylizing Sin City classics ever since. His "Big Band Crooners" show has performed for thousands, and the Christmas version is a bit of a holiday staple. Baker's album TIMELESS AGAIN was released in 2014.

Singer Annie Lyon may be new to FRANKLY FRANK, but she's already quite at home inside the MODERN SHOWROOMS of Alexis Park Resort: "I perform in DISCO DIVAS as Cher (and Linda Ronstadt when called upon) and a regular "mystery" character in the Olivia Newton-John part of the show. I recently did a surprise "Barbara Streisand" in KING OF DIAMONDS (Rob Garrett's Neil Diamond tribute) singing "You Don't Bring Me Flowers ". (It was done) in the style of Neil and Babs during a Grammy Awards appearance in the '80s". [video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://vegas411-images.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/10023247/20231024_175845.mp4"][/video] "In FRANKLY FRANK I do Julie London, Nancy Sinatra, and Barbra Streisand, opening with London's "Why Don't You Do Right". Patrice (Petway of DISCO DIVAS) called last June and asked me to be Cher. I immediately said, "Hell, yes!" and haven't looked back since." Executive Producer Pete Housley informed VEGAS 411 that FRANKLY FRANK will continue to get better and broader while receiving a bigger push. Could a more appealing time slot and larger venue be coming? Housley seems to know but couldn't be pressured to spill the beans. Oh, well...that's life! In Part Two (click here) we'll learn more about FRANKLY FRANK's other new duo...Michael Sinatra and Valita Leigh-Garcia. FRANKLY FRANK performs Sunday through Thursday at 5 p.m. (may vary during holidays and special events). Tickets to all Alexis Park Resort shows can be reserved here.