WHAT"S ON LAS VEGAS GUIDE
 A TALE OF THE RAT PACK
With a Saucy Dish on the Side
By H. Scot Krause
What's On Las vegas Guide
If Frank had had it "his way," they would have been known as "The Summit." Instead, they will forever be immortalized in loving memory as the "Rat Pack." Four great friends - pals, who partied and shared the stage together in Las Vegas during the early Sixties-created legendary moments, the likes of which will probably never be seen again.
That is, of course, unless you spend an evening in the Star Theatre at the Greek Isles Hotel & Casino with "The Tribute to Frank, Sammy, Joey & Dean" show. Four highly talented entertainers recreate the characters of Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop and Dean Martin and return the audience to a treasured, bygone era. Even the showroom itself casts an aura of the former time and place (most often the original Rat Pack would be found appearing at the Copa Room of the old Sands Hotel) with its red velvety chairs, simple lighting and close-up staging. This setting creates a feeling similar to those experienced by the audiences of the shows In the Sixties.
As you enter the theater, you'll be greeted By George Levine, who was a maitre d' for the original Rat Pack at the Copa Room. If you select the dinner and show option, you'll be treated to a pleasurable meal with your choice of prime rib or chicken entrée, side dishes, salad, rolls, dessert and beverage. Order cock- tails if you like. Then light'em, if you got'em! The fact that you can even smoke in this showroom is a rare flashback to the smoky Las Vegas Sixties.
As the lights dim and the 12-piece "Tribute" swing band strikes up the overture, the cast begins to assemble on stage and you know you're in for a cookin' good time, old- fashioned party!
Sandy Hackett (the son of living legend, actor, comedian Buddy Hackett), appears admirably as Joey Bishop in the show. He actually grew up knowing Bishop. "I called him 'Uncle Joey' when I was a kid. He encouraged me in portraying him now."
Hackett went on to say, "These Rat Pack guys were best of friends and in their prime in the Sixties. They loved the music and they loved performing together. It was a party onstage and we're re-creating that with our show."
Each of the cast members shines in his own light. Henry Prego portrays Frank, with the cocky attitude, swagger and remarkably stunning voice impression. Louis Velez has Sammy's laugh down pat and performs an excellent soft-shoe and a stirring performance of the classic song, "Mr. Bojangles." (In reality, that song was recorded years after the Rat Pack's heyday but it would be regrettable not to include it here). Pete Willcox appears as Dean Martin. Now, "That's Amore!"
Director Billy Karl, looking for further authenticity of the era, treats the audience to an appearance of none other than Marilyn Monroe, played by Stacey Nicole, squeaky, shrill voice and all. An audience member gets a very special "Happy Birthday" wish from Marilyn he won't soon forget!
The entire cast assembles for another famous scene around the booze cart, singing, toasting, laughing and joking with each other. All in all, the cast, band members and crew of this Dick Feeney production will take you back to "Where or When," then hit you with "That Old Black Magic" and "Fly You to the Moon" along the way. Swingin', Baby! |
