Obba Babatunde as "Sammy"

San Diego’s The Old Globe Theatre is giving birth to a new musical—“Sammy: Once in a Lifetime,” premiering September 19 and running through November 8. Based on entertainer Sammy Davis Jr., “Sammy” chronicles the life and times of the extraordinary performer who commanded a stage as well as anyone before or since.

Composer Leslie Bricusse, who wrote the book, music and lyrics, including new songs with Anthony Newley, was a close friend and inspiration to the legendary singer and dancer. He first met Davis in London early in his career when Sammy attended a performance of “Stop the World—I Want to Get Off,” also by Bricusse, and fell in love with the score, including ”What Kind of Fool Am I?,” which became one of his signature songs.

“Sammy lived his entire life as though it would one day end up as a musical,” says Bricusse, who saw Davis perform all over the world. “Lots of songs. Lots of drama. He is one of a great breed of African-American heroes in this country, people who survived prejudice and went from being second class citizens to first class heroes. He also made a lot of mistakes in his life and we deal with that in the show.”

The production covers much of the life of Davis from his beginning in vaudeville with his dad and uncle, to his days in the army, legendary performances at Ciro’s and on the Broadway stage in “Golden Boy.” Through it all he fought racism—in his personal life after marrying Swedish-born May Britt, and as a performer, not being allowed to spend the night in many of the hotels in which he performed.

“The show is a search for truth, a voyage of self-discovery,” says director Keith Glover. “And it’s a musical. We do musicals because they transform us.”

TAKING THE LEAD

The key to mounting the project was finding the perfect Sammy, according to Glover. The answer came in the form of Obba Babatunde, veteran of stage and screen, who knew Davis well though their years performing on the road. Babatunde offers the essence of the quintessential entertainer without ever crossing the line into cliche. His voice is strong and deep, reminiscent, yet masterfully his own. His rehearsal rendition of “What Kind of Fool Am I?” gave me shivers.

In the preview we heard a smattering of songs, were privy to a taste of this and a touch of that. The bits and pieces, which also showcased a fabulous supporting cast—many of them Broadway veterans—left me wanting more, wanting the whole meal. I forecast a big future for “Sammy: Once in a Lifetime.” It’s too rich in story and music not to succeed on the world stage. Kudos to The Old Globe for bringing this uniquely American story to life. It’s gonna do great things.