Sandy Hackett's Rat Pack Show

It's high time the creative moguls sucking out the originality of entertainment in Las Vegas were taught a lesson. This is no town for wannabes – not least when Sin City's dazzling history is so closely intertwined, with the careers of four of the greatest vocalists in history – the “Rat Pack”. Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jnr. and Joey Bishop besieged the Strip with their vintage big band and swing, to the extent that many would concur they “owned” Vegas. Taking the “Golden Mile” by storm, during a time of ripe development opportunities and battles for real estate; the “Rat Pack” are largely attributed with shaping the character of Las Vegas' entertainment - as we know it today.

Sin City is no stranger to tribute acts; from the doppleganger dudes selling a face rather than a show, to the sound-a-likes seeking a slot within the likes of “Legends in Concert” - they're all hankering for a slice of attention in Vegas, but not all are worthy. Sandy Hackett's “Rat Pack Show” on the other hand, has been saluted as the premier homage experience to America's “fab four”, by a diverse amalgamation of critics. The “Rat Pack's” last surviving legend Joey Bishop (died 2007) also acknowledged the show,"Sandy Hackett is my first choice to play me. Honestly, I wish I had been that good!”

Sandy Hackett's “Rat Pack Show” has been beaming down Sinatra, Davis, Martin and Bishop almost nightly for well over a decade, with an 8-year running at the vintage Sahara Hotel and Casino – coincidentally the 1950's watering hole for the original “Rat Pack” members. Sadly, the hotel looks set to meet the same grisly end as many of it's era; Sandy Hackett's show now taking up residence at one of the last “Rat Pack” era hotels – the Riviera.

Buddy Hackett (father of the “Rat Pack Show's” founder and visionary Sandy) was a lifelong friend to the late Frank Sinatra – the icon he allegedly once turned down opening a show for. Spurned by such a fascinating friendship, Sandy Hackett felt compelled to produce a show in homage to the “Rat Pack”, rather than just another impersonator-led trip through 'best-of' hits. With the help of the late Buddy, as well as lyricist Ron Miller (famed for writing Stevie Wonder's “For Once In My Life”), Sandy Hackett's “Rat Pack Show” was born - with a loose fantasy plot and stellar cast that would unite the “fab four” once more.

Accompanied by an 8-piece orchestra (led by Shirley Bassey's own conductor Joey Singer) the “Rat Pack Show” gets underway with a roller-coaster first set, incorporating a melange of both solo and group performances. “Joey” regales the audience from the outset, with reminiscent tour-spawned tales, as well as dropping a few one-liners in reference to “Ol' Blue Eyes” and his sex-appeal. Big band saxophonist Jim D'Arrigo unleashes an emotional solo performance, to herald the arrival of the other three “Rats”, who in turn kick the show into gear with their rendition of “My Kind Of Town”.

Singly, Sandy Hackett's “Rat Pack” cast each bear distinguishable characteristics, and even mannerisms that liken them to their “Rat Pack” personas. David DeCosta steps into the oft difficult shoes of “Frank” with as much ease and gusto, as if he'd been playing the character all his life. The enigmatic stand-up comic Doug Starks manages to shrug off the funny-man reputation (that has earned him his own show at the MGM Grand), to bring back the vintage moves and grooves of “Sammy”, while Tony Basile ( Dean Martin) conveys in adopting the swagger for “That's Amore”.

Those lucky (and mature) enough to have witnessed the “Rat Pack” first hand during the 50's or 60's cannot fail to remember the on-stage camaraderie between them. Such was the manner by which their personalities melded, it could easily be described as a 'brotherly' bond. Few homage acts to the foursome could be commended for recreating that kind of stage presence, until Sandy Hackett's “Rat Pack Show” was unveiled. From the banter between “Sammy” and “Dean” during the “Lone Ranger” skit, to the seemingly natural manner in which they all slot into a vocal role for “New York, New York” - you could be forgiven for imagining that just for a second, you were in the presence of the original stars!