Micky Dolenz “Interactive” Night at Nelson Hall 11/29/19

by Charles F. Rosenay!!!

   Just like many of the readers of this review, I have been lucky enough to see Micky Dolenz live many times. Although I’m a first-generation fan, the first time I saw him on stage was in 1986 rehearsing – and then performing – in the Monkees’ original reunion at the Happy Together tour’s opening night. Since then, I’ve seen him onstage countless times – with Davy & Peter, with just Davy, with just Peter, with Peter & Mike, with just Mike, and, of course, in many solo concerts. I’ve also experienced Micky live on stage in “Aida,” “Grease,” “Pippin” and “Comedy Is Hard.” I’ve even been lucky enough to have him as a special guest at some of the Monkees Conventions that I’ve helped produce, and it’s been my pleasure to interview him on stage a number of times. I love Micky and still contend that his is one of the greatest voices in pop/rock history.

   I must admit that I was a bit apprehensive seeing him in what some refer to as a “karaoke” show. Admittedly, I would pay to see Micky even if he were onstage singing nursery rhymes, but could a whole night of him sharing the stage with amateurs who paid a premium to sing along with him be worthwhile? The answer is a resounding YES!   On November 29, 2019, the Nelson Hall Theater at Elim Park in Cheshire, CT hosted this very type of show, billed as “An Evening With Micky Dolenz of The Monkees.” The venue itself is pretty special, and was ideal for this format. Credit to Rachelle Patrignelli at the theater for booking the event. With a capacity of about 400 it was a sell-out, and most of those in attendance were original fans.
   The event started with producer Jodi Ritzen explaining the proceedings, noting that funds were being raised for Micky’s favorite charity “Make-A-Wish,” and introducing the warm-up players (and, later, back-up singers), Marty Ross (interestingly enough, a member of 1987’s “NEW Monkees,” with a strong voice of his own) and CT native Rich Dart (current Monkees drummer, and quite a versatile talent in his own right). The evening got underway when they got everyone singing along to the 60’s classic “Doo Wah Diddy” before bringing out Micky to accompany audience members in their choice of songs.

   The first number couldn’t have been a better choice, “Johnny B. Goode.” For anyone who knows Monkees’ history, this was the song that Micky auditioned with back in 1965. It was part of his screen test that appeared in the pilot episode, and it was a rockin’ way to kick things off with the first audience member sharing the lead. Next up was the first of two “Pleasant Valley Sunday” segments, and the crowd-member got a nice laugh asking Micky “are you nervous?” Everyone enjoyed the Mom who was accompanied by her three kids for “Sometime In The Morning,” and it was cool seeing all three youngsters wearing different Monkees shirts.

   Whereas most of the words that appeared on the giant screen for the audience to sing along to were no more than a scroll of karaoke lyrics, special graphics appeared when the next singer chose “For Pete’s Sake.” It was nice seeing Peter’s face accompany the lines to the song he composed. This was followed by the second “Pleasant Valley Sunday,” but a repeat was justified – it was sung by Rachelle, not just the individual responsible for bringing Micky to the theater, but a true fan. Wearing a shimmering red outfit and white boots, she looked like a mid-sixties go-go girl, and sang her favorite song quite well.  

   At that point there was a brief intermission, with Marty Ross singing the Moody Blues’ “Nights In White Satin,” and Rich Dart joining him on the stage for “Gloria” (the version by Van Morrison’s Them, not the disco song). Micky’s return was not so much to the stage, but to the front row side so he could sing with an audience member who was not able to physically come up. They rocked out to “I’m a Believer” and that was followed by a real rarity – Micky doing a duet on “California Dreamin.'” The next two offerings were truly solid: “She” and “You Just May The One.” What was unique about the latter was that the audience member didn’t just get to sing it with Micky, he also played the drums! Not one to miss a comical opportunity, fellow drummer Rich Dart come on the stage like an Olympic judge to rate the act.

   The hits just kept on coming, and after another “I’m a Believer,” the first of four Beatles songs may have been the highlight of the night, with a note-perfect “Rocky Raccoon.” On the next song, “(Look Out) Here Comes Tomorrow,” there was apparently no karaoke version to be had, so they sang along with the original Monkees’ recording. That was actually a plus for the singer, who got to do the lead with not only Micky but also Davy. Then it was the second of The Beatles’ tracks, as Micky helped a four-year get through “Blackbird” to the audience’s delight.   The evening was coming to a close as Marty rejoined Micky for a rousing “Oh Darling!” which Micky has been belting out for several years now. Micky shared his memory about being at Abbey Road Studios when he first heard this “Abbey Road” classic. The final Beatles number served as the encore, as Marty, Rich, Rochelle and even Jodi joined Micky – with the capacity crowd up on their feet – for “Twist and Shout.”
   After the singing was all over, Micky took a seat in the lobby to sign autographs for fans, many of whom had brought albums and photographs. I was both surprised and pleased that some had vinyl copies of the Monkees Christmas album with them to be signed.   To call the production a “karaoke” show would be short-changing its uniqueness. A better term would be an “interactive” evening with Micky. To give credit where credit is due, Jodi Ritzen was an excellent MC for this interactive event, making the audience feel very much that they were part of a special, intimate happening, but also professionally keeping the evening running smoothly and well-organized. Thanks to Ms. Ritzen and Ms. Patrignelli for bringing this unforgettable presentation to Connecticut. 
   I don’t know if I’ll get to see Micky in a symphony show, as the February 8th concert he’s doing with a full orchestra in Arizona is on the same date at the Monkees Convention (Peter Tork Memorial) I’m presenting in Connecticut, but I look forward to many more magical Micky musical memories (how’s that for alliteration?) in the future.    Thank you Mr. Dolenz. You are in our Hall of Fame.

Review by Charles F. Rosenay!!!, Liverpool Productions www.ToursAndEvents.comwww.MonkeesFanConvention.com