The Swedish hit show “From Sammy with Love” comes to Harlem’s Apollo Theater for an exclusive one-night-only performance.
The show is based on the life of legendary performer Sammy Davis Jr. It stars Swedish performers Rennie Mirro and Karl Dyall and is written and directed by Jonna Nordenskiöld. “From Sammy with Love” has toured Europe since its debut in 2012 and will have its final performance at Harlem’s Apollo Theater Nov. 10.
“From Sammy with Love” is a singing, dancing and acting sensation that not only entertains but also deals with issues of exclusion, prejudice and racism—a show that highlights the perils of being a mixed race individual in a world that continues to struggle to accept those who do not conform to societal molds.
“‘From Sammy with Love’ is based around the life of Sammy Davis Jr. and his way to fame and his breaking through in a time where segregation was a very real subject,” said Mirro. “We intertwine our own personal stories in terms of being children of a mixed marriage. It’s a very personal show but it’s based on the unbelievable life of Sammy Davis Jr.”
Both Mirro and Dyall are trained dancers. Mirro received his training in musical theater and classical ballet, whereas Dyall started out as a street dancer. The two have worked side by side for most of their lives, most recently collaborating on a production of “Singin’ in the Rain” before collectively approaching “From Sammy with Love.”
“Both of us have always adored Sammy for all that he did politically but more importantly what he did onstage,” said Mirro.
Davis’ story takes place in a time when racism was rife and interracial marriages were taboo. Davis’ marriage to Swedish actress May Britt was questioned by the world and placed under a microscope. In response to Mirro and Dyall’s upbringing as mixed race children, Mirro said, “Both of us have struggled to find our place. We’re not Black, we’re not white, we’re not Swedish, we’re not American and we’re not English.”
Miro continued, “It’s our curiosity on how Davis could deal on an everyday basis. It must’ve been unspeakably hard to be him. It’s not just a pure homage, but also our questions to him. People can recognize the feeling of being secluded and that’s resonated tremendously here. Our talks about trying to fit in really apply to anybody, no matter what background you have.
“For me, music and jazz is life. I don’t know how to get by without it. That whole era, late 50s early 60s music was just amazing. Even though it probably was really tough, it must’ve been so exhilarating to be a part of. Sammy’s battlefield was on the stage. That’s where he proved himself, broke barriers and really bloomed out.”
Dyall added, “It feels like a dream come true. Sammy Davis Jr. had some of his most acclaimed performances at the Apollo Theater. Now we have to make an entrance, it’s absolutely fantastic.”
Davis embodied the essence of music and performance and graced the stage of the Apollo for many years. It only seems fitting that the show about his life would return to its birthplace.
“From Sammy with Love” will be at the Apollo Theater Nov. 10 at 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.apollotheater.org/event/from-sammy-with-love.