Press
SCRANTON TIMES
‘Rat Pack' a ride to '60s Vegas
By Joseph F. Caputo, Scranton Times-Tribune
March 29, 2008
The Rat Pack Is Back" opened at the Scranton Cultural Center on Friday evening to a near-capacity and receptive crowd.
And why not? The show is a novelty of great tunes, hysterical comedy and even nostalgia.
In this age of reality television, the "The Rat Pack Is Back" is a tribute to a bygone era when entertainment was simply talent, lights and audience.
The show achieves the dauntless task of representing three giants that defined an entire tradition of Las Vegas-style entertainment that is practically a dying art form.
The Rat Pack's history dates back to the assembling of entertainers who hung around with Frank Sinatra in 1960, namely, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and Joey Bishop.
The show begins with "Joey Bishop," portrayed by Mickey Joseph, coming out and warming up the crowd with a few hilarious jokes. Mr. Joseph is a master of timing and delivery.
Not only does he pick up the vocal inflections of Bishop, but his own unique style of delivery makes the old material seem brand new. The audience roared during his routine. He makes several appearances throughout the show where he portrays a Chinese detective and later a waiter. He is a true comedian.
As the 90-minute show unfolds, we are introduced to "Frank," portrayed by Brian Duprey, then "Dean," (Drew Anthony) and finally "Sammy" (Kenny Jones).
Each has his magic moments. The viewer only has to close his eyes to be transported to the Sands in Las Vegas.
Incidentally, this cast is the same cast from the Plaza Hotel in Las Vegas, where the show is currently running and being performed by understudies.
Mr. Jones has an uncanny mimetic sense for Sammy Davis Jr. His "Bojangles" is practically a carbon copy.
Mr. Duprey does a phenomenal job with "My Way." He truly has captured the style of "ol' blue eyes."
And Mr. Anthony is a clone of Dean Martin. His look, mannerisms, voice and style are almost identical. He adeptly juggles a cigarette and drink in each hand as he croons "That's Amore," and "You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You."
As for the ensemble, the chemistry is amazing. Most of the banter between the four is fresh and almost unrehearsed. What makes the show even fresher is the live orchestra.
The 15-piece ensemble is assembled by local musician extraordinaire Doug Smith and Lexington Entertainment under the Musical Direction of Lon Bronson. The music is the heartbeat of the show and it was amazing to learn that the group rehearsed for the first time from 5-7 p.m. before the show.
The show continues today, tonight, Sunday afternoon and evening.
