Vegas Classics: The Scintas
Blonde4ever discusses the Scintas and their classic Vegas history.
About a quarter of a century ago or maybe more, my cousin took me to a resort in Alexandria Bay, New York called Bonnie Castle, to see a group called the Scintas. They were a singing family made up of two brothers and a sister. Frankie and Joe Scinta, sister Chrissi and also drummer and music director Peter O’Donnell. “You have to see this show!” she exclaimed. They performed in a huge, old style dinner theater for a packed audience. Unfortunately, I was so many miles from the stage I couldn’t see very well, but I could hear, and what I heard sounded fantastic.
Fast forward to when my Las Vegas obsession began in 2004 and I began hearing about a group called the Scintas playing around Vegas. Could this be the same people? Apparently, it was! The Scintas have had a long and varied history in the entertainment profession. They have played all over Vegas; the Hilton (now Westgate), the Rio, the Sahara, the Suncoast, the D and they are frequently on tour around the country.
The reason for their longevity is clear when you see their show. It is an eclectic mix of music from all eras; you will hear everything from Frank Sinatra to Bruno Mars. The songs are interspersed with hilarious comedy; skits, impersonations and lots of banter with the audience.
Their sister Chrissi had to stop performing due to throat issues in 2013 and was replaced by Janien Valentine, who brought lots of Vegas experience to the show with her. Janien had been working with Clint Holmes and had been a headliner at the “Starlight Express” show at the Hilton. She had had many other Vegas gigs in her career. She came from the Scinta’s hometown of Buffalo and had been performing since she was a child. Janien fit in well with the group when it became clear that Chrissi would need to be replaced.
I got a chance to see the Scintas in person when they played at The D. I was thoroughly entertained for an hour and a half of non-stop music and laughter. These guys are the real deal, the kind of performers Vegas was built on. I was thrilled to learn that their show had moved over to The Plaza. The Plaza showroom is classic Las Vegas and the Scintas, and that room are a perfect fit. I look forward to seeing them again soon!
The Scintas perform on select dates; see here for those. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Also, check out their “Dinner at Oscar’s VIP Show Package” for just $99. Tickets are available by calling 702-386-2507 or online here.
[Photos: Via Scintas Facebook page, The Plaza Las Vegas]
Bonnie, aka Blonde4ever, is the admin of one of our favorite Vegas forums: LasVegas4ever. She covers a large spectrum of topics from her personal experiences in Las Vegas.
9 thoughts on “Vegas Classics: The Scintas”
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I have seen the Scintas perform 2 times. Both times were at the Rio. One of the most entertaining shows I have ever seen in Vegas.
They do an awesome job! Thanks for commenting.
I have I have seen their show at my local casino. Very entertaining but dated. I mean you have to be a certain age to recognize a few of the impersonations. I am of that certain age…… Sigh!
Ha ha…lots of us are “that age”.
I’d like to see them but not for $99 a show…..Im cheap
$99 is for a meal at Oscar’s and the show. General admission for the show alone is just $29!!!
I’ve seen them several times at the Rio and just saw them at the Plaza. I will probably go see them again, they are just that entertaining and fun. Your article is spot on!
Thanks Rose!!!
Great article!! Thanks for background info on the group. The Scintas will always hold a special place in my heart. I got engaged during their show at the Hilton in 2000 on my first Vegas trip :)