BEST READ GUIDE
 RAT PACK SHOW PACKS AMORE'
Las Vegas Best Read Guide
In a day when Rat Pack tributes seem to be as popular as Elvis impersonators, there's one such offering that has commanded the attention of critics and show-goers as well.
"The Tribute to Frank, Sammy, Joey & Dean" at the Greek Isles heralds the entertainment that was provided by Sinatra, Davis Jr., Bishop, and Martin in the 1960's. The setting is reminiscent of the same Copa Room Sands Hotel background in which the quartet often jammed.
And the cast-Henry Prego as Frank, Louis Velez as Sammy, Sandy Hackett as Joey, and Pete Willcox as Dean-deliver right-on portrayals in both joke and song.
"These are talented people acting the parts of talented people," says Jerry Flattum of the e-Vegas Exchange.
"This is as close as anyone has come to capturing the feeling of the real thing," said the late Joe Delaney of the Las Vegas Sun in one of his last reviews. "It is a special treat for anyone old enough to have been there back then."
Urged by the voice of Buddy Hackett (father of cast member Sandy Hackett as Joey) to return to earth and "do it one more time," the Rat Packers do just that. Their one-liners and songs are accompanied by a 12-member band, which also gets things swingin' with a hot intro.
Audience members treated to such Sinatra standards as "Come Fly With Me", "Angel Eyes", and "All Of Me", Martin's "That's Amore" and Davis Jr.'s "What Kind Of Fool Am I" and "Mr. Bojangles."
And there's a special gift in store for a lucky male audience member (and one more compelling reason to but a ticket). Marilyn Monroe (Stacey Nicole) appears at the height of party mayhem to sing "Happy Birthday" . up close and personal, just as the Rat Pack would have liked. |
