'The Frank and Dean & More Show' planning a 'ring-a-ding-ding' gig at French Creek Theatre's Ewing Hall

Known as the Chairman of the Board or the leader of the Rat Pack, Frank Sinatra when chumming around had a perceived dangerous side. That said, it's quite fitting the reason why Cleveland resident and Sinatra singer Damion Fontaine ended up joining the popular "The Frank and Dean & More Show" is tied to an errant bullet. "Someone got shot," said Fontaine, who originally is from New York City. "My partner (Scott Brotherton), who does Dean Martin, just got a Rat Pack show up and running when the young man in his early 20s playing Frank Sinatra was out in the wrong place in Cleveland. "He accidentally got shot so he was out of commission for a couple of months. He turned out to be OK but he couldn't sing. They had a dinner show scheduled and my buddy was scrambling for a Sinatra. Somebody had heard me sing 'Summer Wind' once and gave him my number. That's how we met, but I swear I didn't shoot him." "The Frank and Dean & More Show" has booked a Friday date at French Creek Theatre's Ewing Hall. In addition to performing Sinatra and Martin hits, the show also includes songs by Neil Diamond, Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole and Elvis Presley. "We also sprinkle throughout the show family-friendly type comedy," Fontaine said. "Most of it is corny like Don Rickles and Rodney Dangerfield type of stuff. We don't take ourselves too seriously. We're just trying to make sure everybody is having fun." While Fontaine never did get to see Sinatra in concert, he did get a front-seat view growing up of the Italian culture that revered the great singer. Later as he ran karaoke shows in the New York City and Connecticut area, Fontaine would grow to love the singer and perform his catalog. "'Summer Wind' was one of the songs I sang," Fontaine said. One difference between seeing "The Frank and Dean & More Show" in the early days compared with now is that Fontaine has learned all of Sinatra's lyrics. "After 17 years, I can sing them in my sleep," Fontaine said. "Now, early on, I actually only knew two Sinatra songs but we hid the little karaoke monitor on the stage. I just kept glancing over when I was singing." Considering Sinatra famously used a teleprompter on stage at the end of his career, odds are Ol' Blue Eyes would understand. "He sure would," Fontaine said, laughing. "I think I've gained about as much weight as he did at the end of his career as well." Contact John Benson at ndiffrence@att.net. IF YOU GO WHAT: The Frank and Dean & More Show WHEN: 7:30 p.m. June 3 WHERE: French Creek Theatre's Ewing Hall, 4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield TICKETS: $15 INFO: loraincountymetroparks.com/theatre