Advertisement

Ol' Blue Eyes and pals would be proud

By D. A. Blackburn

Imitation, they say, is the sincerest form of flattery. If this is true, Deano, Sammy and Frank are probably sitting around the great bar in the sky, beaming with pride. "The Rat Pack is Back," which plays Detroit's Gem Theatre through Jan. 4, 2009, is one of the finest tribute shows in recent memory, and a virtual time portal, transporting audiences back to the golden age of the lounge act.
The show is a near-perfect recreation of a Rat Pack performance at the Sands Casino, and from the outset, when Joey Bishop (Mickey Joseph) takes the stage to warm-up the crowd, the illusion is rarely broken. Joseph earns big laughs with vintage jokes, and sets a perfect tone for the evening.
But it's when Dean Martin (Bobby Mayo Jr.) appears that the night really heats up. Mayo is so precise in his mannerisms, voice and comedic abilities, that it's easy to believe he's the genuine article. It's obvious that he's spent a great deal of time perfecting his impression, but he's not alone in this respect.
Kyle Diamond cuts an impressive figure as Sammy Davis Jr., and though his voice is not a spot-on match, his charm, and his ability to work a room are.
As Frank Sinatra, David DeCosta is likewise excellent. His voice is such a perfect match to Ol' Blue Eyes that it's easy to forget you're seeing an impression, and his understanding of the music is profound. He simply nails Sinatra's stage presence, and though his look isn't perfect, it's extremely close.
All four performers carry the illusion beyond the music and into their on-stage interaction. Moreover, exceptional costuming and a well-rehearsed orchestra make the magic of time travel feel exceptionally real.
"The Rat Pack is Back" is a superb tribute to some of the greatest performers of all time, and an evening filled with delightful music and spontaneous laughs.

REVIEW:
'The Rat Pack is Back'
The Gem Theatre, 333 Madison St., Detroit. Tue.-Sun., through Jan. 4, 2009. Tickets: $39.50. For information: 313-963-9800 orhttp://www.gemtheatre.com

Advertisement
Advertisement

From the Pride Source Marketplace

Go to the Marketplace
Directory default
Offering service coverage that extends across Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, St. Clair, Monroe and Lapeer…
Learn More
Directory default
Tri-Pups, Inc. is a full service Residential and Commercial Remodeling and Maintenance Company…
Learn More
Directory default
Located on 290 acres on the banks of the beautiful Huron River, Michigan Memorial Park encompasses…
Learn More
Advertisement