Lisa Condit recently spoke with Ed Atamian about bringing Tony Bennett to The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts on September 28. Read on for highlights from their interview, or listen to the full conversation below!
Ed: It’s really going to be a special night. Tony personally loves playing the building, and that’s why we’ve had him here several times! The 10th anniversary… I think it’s going to be one of those magical nights that Worcester experiences every so often. I’m hoping everyone comes out to see Tony.
Lisa: How many chances are we all going to have to hear him, live, in person performing our favorite songs. It’s incredible how famous he is and how successful in so many decades. Ed, you’ve been working with him for so many years. What makes him one of your favorite stars to work with?
Ed: I think it’s the fact that he’s so genuine. When you meet him, he is so humble, and you forget that this gentleman has been doing this for 50 to 60 years. I think nowadays, we put the label “legend” on a lot of things that are unwarranted. When you do it for Tony Bennet, there’s no question about it. It’s done. I call it the music, the voice, the legend.
Lisa: He has really reinvented himself, but has remained true to who he is. We all know he is famous for the American songbook and the songs he has made household tunes, but he’s also been creative with the duets that he’s done.
Ed: His management keeps him current, even at his age. He’s done so much with Lady Gaga, with KD Lang, never mind in the old days Ella Fitzgerald and Count Basie. He still comes back and still fills the house up, and to me, a special moment is the last song. He drops the microphone and sings a cappella, “Fly Me To The Moon.” It’s one of those moments you don’t forget.
Lisa: Our theatre has great seats, even in the upper balcony. The sound is amazing. And when it comes to a superstar like Tony Bennett, it’s the way he sounds and the experience of being in the theatre.
EA: I do a lot of shows all over the country, and I’m here to tell you that the acoustics at The Hanover Theatre, never mind the intimacy of it, make it a special place. I look forward to seeing everyone at The Hanover Theatre for Tony Bennett’s third return visit.