The first time he saw Bobby Curtola take the stage, it was clear to Bob Baker the singer’s star power was unstoppable.
“He loved to perform,” said Baker, the Citadel Theatre’s artistic director. “He loved the audience.”
The former Canadian teen idol and 1960s heartthrob died last week at the age of 73.
Backed by the Martels, Curtola rose to fame with hit singles such as “Hand In Hand With You” and “Fortuneteller,” and performed to throngs of screaming fans around the world.
Born in Thunder Bay, Ont., he later settled in the Edmonton area, where in 2003 he took centre stage in a production of Grease at the Citadel Theatre.
Playing the role of Teen Angel, he serenaded the crowd with his rendition of “Beauty School Drop Out,” and a medley of his greatest hits he performed after curtain call, night after night.
“You’re looking for someone, who can step out and do one number and just really be iconic and authentic for that period,” said Baker, who recruited Curtola for the role.
“We checked him out, and he was totally amenable to it, and he came on board right away.”
Remembering Bobby Curtola on Edmonton AM2:11
Baker said Curtola hit the right notes on stage, and behind the scenes, where he took the time to mentor the young cast members.
“He just thought they were great. He was always encouraging them,” Barker said during a Monday morning interview on CBC Radio’s Edmonton AM.
“He had tons of energy and was so supportive.”
Even with a few wrinkles, the one-time heartthrob hadn’t lost any of his luster, even then.
“There was something special about Bobby Curtola,” said Baker, who grew up listening to Curtola’s music at sock-hops and school dances, and felt nostalgic as he watched the singer take the stage in Edmonton.
“It was just a dream. It was great.”
In a statement issued through Curtola’s Facebook and Twitter pages, Chris Curtola and Michael Curtola said their father loved his fans.
“To his fans … he loved each and every one of you more than you will know, and never took for granted the life you gave him.
“He would want you to do something kind for one another today and each day,” the statement said. “He would also want you to know he loves you, and that you have another angel watching over you.”