It’s the golden era of the 1950s, musical entertainment is big bands, classy crooners and glamorous performances and there was nowhere more glitzy than Vegas. If you had a ticket to see the three famous pals, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr you would as likely as not see people just as famous as them in the audience, for they were the celebrities’ choice of the time.
Each a powerful personality in their own right, they were brilliant all round entertainers, acting and comedy was on their résumé as well as unique vocal interpretations and they made the most of all three. Regarded as the coolest of cool, they were legends in their own lifetimes.
This time round the Rat Pack has an added extra in that they are bringing with them ‘Ella Fitzgerald’, a worthy addition in the shape of Nicola Emmanuel who gives a gutsy performance as the famous jazz diva.
This is a wonderful show and particularly in the second half it’s so good that you forget you are in a provincial theatre in the UK and are beamed back in time to the Sands, Las Vegas, being entertained by the three legends themselves. Stephen Triffitt quite simply is Frank Sinatra, not just the unique voice but the look, mannerisms and speaking voice, over time he’s honed his polished performance to a pitch of perfection that’s amazing.
Darren Charles as Sammy Davis Jr is a ball of energy, has Sammy’s wry outlook on the world securely buttoned up, and of course can sing the songs and tap dance when required! Nigel Casey as Dean Martin gets across Dean’s lazy and laid back attitude to entertainment and his easy and relaxed manner with the audience, the drunken stumbles (which according to some back in the day were an act, and he wasn’t drunk) all add up to the total package.
These three have a great camaraderie between them, just like the three characters they portrayed, and we loved all the jokes and kidding around. Amelia Adams-Pearce, Laura Darton and Joanna Walters put on the Ritz and provide the glamour as the backing singers, The Burrelli Sisters; they can harmonise marvellously as well as being very easy on the eye. Add the big band and boy have you got a show! At the close, many bows were taken and along with the rest of the audience we gave a standing ovation for a great piece of musical theatre.
Jacquie Vowles