Synopsis
Programme
Impressions/Performances
This tribute concert style show is an attempt to recreate the famous Sands Casino shows given by the legendary 'Rat Pack' of fifties and sixties crooners, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Junior. It is not a musical as such, as there is no attendant storyline, but rather a musical entertainment in which three consummate crooners and raconteurs amuse and divert us with their wit and golden voices. Of course the originals are no longer with us (Sinatra was the last to pass away in 1998), and so are replaced for this show by three hugely talented impersonators.
Frank Sinatra is our master of ceremonies, opening and closing the show and doing his best to keep his two co-conspirators in line. 'Standing in' for Sinatra is Tam Ward, who not only sounds like Sinatra but also does a great job of capturing his personality. Mark Adams, as Martin, was particularly good, playing heavily on Martin's legendary liking for alcohol he introduces himself by saying "Hello, I'm Dean Martin and I'm an alcoholic" then adds "Oh no, that's another night!" Martin was famous for appearing on stage with a cigarette and glass of alcohol in hand and Adams upholds that tradition throughout. Matthew Henry, as Sammy Davis, is the least physically like his more famous counterpart, but that is easily forgotten as he sashays across the stage in an excellent imitation of Davis' legendary dance moves. Each of these three gets the opportunity to individually take centre stage and sing a few of their particular character's best known musical numbers. All three have great voices, bags of charisma, and manage to sound so alike their counterparts that it is often easy to forget you are not watching the real thing. Throughout the evening they sing a few songs together, and in between the music there is lots of comic banter. Of course the originals were great friends, and that also is faithfuly recaptured here in the way they swagger about the stage casually taking the mickey out of one another - Davis's jewishness, Martin's alcoholism and Sinatra's mob connections being the main points of humour.
Adding glamour to the evening are the three Burelli Sisters, embodied by Nikki Stokes, Robyn Currell and Rachael Parrott, who do far more than just provide support for the famous three. They look incredibly sexy, particularly in their scarlet satin frocks with matching evening gloves and perfect fifties coiffed hair. They are also great swing dancers, whether gliding appealingly across the stage or rhythmically swinging their arms as they sing together at the microphone. And when they sing together, whether delivering a number of their own or backing one of the leads, the harmonies they create are, quite simply, magical. They may play a subordinate role in the show, but it is a vital one as without them the show would seriously struggle to rise above the mediocre.
A superb band comprised of around a dozen musicians, predominantly brass, occupy a raised platform at the back of the stage and churn out the music with tremendous gusto. And whilst that music may admittedly it may be a little dated for some tastes, it is brilliantly performed and tremendously appealling. As always, the best was saved till last when, after Martin and Davis had taken their bows and made their exits, Sinatra returned alone to deliver his signature "My Way."
Verdict
A tremendous tribute show that brings back to life three of music's all time greats.
Don Gillan - www.stagebeauty.net