Talented trio stops by monthly through May

Classical, opera, oldies, rock 'n' roll? Cover to Cover covers all the genres at the Richey Suncoast.

By Barbara L. Fredricksen, Arts and Entertainment
Published February 29, 2008

ADVERTISEMENT [Photo by Will Vragovic] Susan Falcone, her husband and another singer make up Cover to Cover. Ms. Falcone, who teaches voice, says the low-cost concerts are "like giving back to the community."

NEW PORT RICHEY - The Wednesday afternoon audience at Richey Suncoast Theatre grows quiet as the lights go down, wondering what the three singers who make up Cover to Cover will do today.

Perhaps Susan Falcone will sing an opera aria.

Louis Fortunato might crack a few off-the-cuff jokes and croon a Bobby Darin tune.

Michael D'Aquino could do a finger-popping rendition of a Chuck Berry number.

Sometimes, all three singers join on stage for some rock 'n' roll.

"We play everything from 1920s to classical and opera," said Ms. Falcone, who helped form the group in December 2006.

"People like it when they hear a variety. We have so much diversity, we can please everyone at least once during a show."

Interestingly, the opera arias get the most enthusiastic response at Richey Suncoast, she said.

For years, the three were part of the five-member Absolutely Fabulous, performing all over the Tampa Bay area.

"We wanted to pare down and decided to do atrio," Ms. Falcone said.

All three are native New Yorkers: Ms. Falcone from Yonkers, D'Aquino from the Bronx and Fortunato from Brooklyn. Ms. Falcone and her husband, D'Aquino, live in Hudson now; Fortunato, in Spring Hill.

They perform to recorded music.

"It's not karaoke, not a DJ, not a band, but the musical accompaniment is consistent and you have live voices," Ms. Falcone said.

Cover to Cover started performing monthly at Richey Suncoast in November and will continue through May.

The next show is at 2 p.m. Wednesday.

The group is one of several live performing arts groups that board president Charlie Skelton is bringing to the theater in an effort to expand the cultural offerings in the area and increase the usage of the theater. (The others are the Florida Keys and Parson's Big Band.)

Cover to Cover also performs at clubs, parties, festivals and other performing arts halls. Ms. Falcone teaches voice at John Leggio's Center for the Performing Arts in Spring Hill.

The Richey Suncoast crowds have been increasing since that first show.

"It's nice to do, especially for older people who don't drive at night," Ms. Falcone said.

The tickets are only $5, so everyone can come.

"It's like giving back to the community," Ms. Falcone said.

Check it out

Cover to Cover, a singing trio

Where: Richey Suncoast Theatre, 6237 Grand Blvd., New Port Richey.

When: 2 p.m. Wednesday.

Tickets: $5 at the door or call (727) 842-6777. Box office is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and an hour before each show.

[Last modified February 28, 2008, 20:18:16]