(Editors Note - The Scintas no longer perform at the Rio, but are now at the Sahara Hotel and Casino.)

If you were to turn the Scintas (pronounced Shin-tahs) into a mathematical equation they would equal pure energy. The Scintas — Music and Comedy with a Twist — is playing at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is high polished comedy, vocals, impressions, and music starring Frank, Joe, and Chrissi Scinta, plus honorary Scinta, Pete O'Donnell.

What began as three children entertaining family and friends in Buffalo, New York expanded to four members, and evolved into a popular East Coast act. Four years ago the Scintas played the Las Vegas Hilton Lounge and were so popular that the Rio offered them an open-ended stay at their hotel. In the few years they have been here the Scintas have earned a reputation as extraordinary entertainers and supporters of the community.

Arriving at the Scinta Showroom at seven for a 7:30 pm curtain gives the audience enough time to have a drink or two while watching Scinta family pictures play across twelve large video screens that curve around the tiered venue. The audience is made up of young people and adults of all ages waiting for the puffy satin/taffeta curtain, vibrant with purples, blue and teal hues, to part. Precisely at 7:30 p.m. the Scintas make an energetic entrance singing, "We Are Family". The side screens flash images of Joe, Frank and Chrissi as children, individually, together and with family members in New York. They each have a strong, unique presence and personality.

Frankie Scinta plays the drums, and Joey Scinta the bass guitar as they perform "How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You". Frankie plays the spoons and the banjo on "12th Street Rag" and "The 96th Street Rag". Joey, the eldest brother plays straight man to Frankie's jokes.

Changing the tone, Chrissi Scinta, a slip of a woman who can belt a song as easily as convey a soft, sweet operatic aria, emerges wearing a long white gown with a rhinestone collar and bracelet. She is dripping in jewels. Her rich soprano voice has strength and fullness.

Pete O'Donnell is introduced as the fourth Scinta — the Irish Scinta. The group, three Sicilian-American siblings and their friend and band member of eighteen years, Pete O'Donnell have the right chemistry for humor and sentimentality.

They don wigs and play instruments in a tribute to the Beatles. And although the homage is humorous, it is also musically true to the original "Magical Mystery Tour". Pete is featured on "I Get a Little Help from My Friends". Speaking with English accents the group captures the essence of the Liverpudlians.

In fact, all of their impersonations are first rate. Frank, Joe, and Pete wear black turtlenecks with black slacks. Simple, effective clothing that lets them transform themselves into everyone from Mick Jagger to Neil Diamond. Taking turns, Frank intones the low, sexy voice of Lou Rawls, and the distinctive rasp of Louis Armstrong doing "What A Wonderful World".

The brothers bring back Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, Johnny Mathis singing using only vowels, and of course, Frank Sinatra. There is George Burns and a rendition of "Thanks for the Memories", Bob Hope's theme song. Like Danny Gans they are consummate impersonators. They remind the audience of the days when the greats they are impersonating headlined Las Vegas.

Not to be outdone by her brothers Chrissi energizes the room with a powerful rendition of "If They Could See Me Now" wearing a tight black outfit accented with glittering rhinestones. At age eleven a Buffalo columnist predicted that Chrissi would be the next Ethel Merman. She lives up to the prediction and more. After another costume change — pink fringe with rhinestone straps — the svelte sister belts a tribute to Donna Summer's disco hits "I Will Survive" and "Let's Dance".

The men change into white slacks and shirts to give the second half of the show a fresh look. They leave the glittering glamour to their little sister who obviously loves to sparkle. The Scintas deliver memorable moments individually and as a foursome.

The show moves quickly, and from the applause, the audience is as happy with the Scintas as the Scintas are with them. They end the show with a heartfelt rendition of "I'm Proud To Be An American". On the wall screens we see more family pictures, only this time they highlight their father who was a New York firefighter.

There are standing ovations throughout the performance. The Scintas have lots of heart and an abundance of comedy. They credit their musical director and back up band with warm praise.

The Scintas are appearing at the Sahara Hotel and Casino indefinitely .

— By Linda Lane, Las Vegas Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent.