QUICK TAKES - July 9, 2009

The little musical that could, “Louis & Keely: Live at the Sahara,” has gone from a matchbook-size hit at Sacred Fools Theatre to a major (and revamped) stage event directed by Taylor Hackford at the Geffen Playhouse. The latest phase in the musical’s life will take place July 22 with the release of the official cast album, featuring 18 songs performed by the show’s leads, Jake Broder and Vanessa Claire Smith.

Recorded at Capitol Records in the same studio used by Louis Prima and Keely Smith, the CD features several signature hits made famous by the Las Vegas duo, including “That Old Black Magic, “Just a Gigolo” and “Angelina.” The album, which was recorded in one day in early June, features the full band used in the stage production.

-- David Ng