The Rat Pack (6th week)
New Theatre
Monday 22nd – Saturday 27th February; 7.30pm, 5pm, 8.30pm, 4pm
“Though raucous laughter never threatened, the audience were regularly tempted into a chortle at classic lines such as “Right now I’m on a whisky diet. Last week I lost four days”.” Richard Beinart
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The Rat Pack
Review by Richard Beinart
‘The Rat Pack’ offers its audience a nostalgic recreation of a 1960’s night at the ‘Sands’ casino, Las Vegas, when music legends Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. were in their swinging prime. The flawless fifteen piece orchestra spreads itself across an elevated platform towards the rear of the stage, allowing the three crooners ample room to sing, dance and prance their way through all their most famous numbers, ably assisted by the three stunning ‘Burelli sisters’.
The show, devoid of any storyline besides the witty repartees exchanged amongst the three performers, represents an elaborate tribute act. This need not necessarily act as a deterrent to potential theatre-goers. Whilst tribute acts are not to everyone’s tastes, this is undeniably a very good one. All three of the main performers are talented, entertaining showmen. Mark Adams stands out in his role as Dean Martin; his smooth, sonorous voice perfectly suits Martin’s famous tunes ‘That’s Amore’ and “Sway”. Tam Ward and Matthew Henry’s respective portrayals of Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. are only marginally excelled however. Ward effortlessly captures Sinatra’s distinctive phrasing, enunciation and timing, whilst Henry’s soulful vocals are impressive, particularly in the higher register. Although the banter between the performers was prone to fall flat – after all, the audience could not help but be painfully aware that the performers cannot be improvising, and that they are not actually Sinatra, Martin and Davis Jr. anyways – it did pick up after the interval. Though raucous laughter never threatened, the audience were regularly tempted into a chortle at classic lines such as “Right now I’m on a whisky diet. Last week I lost four days”.
The problem with the production is nothing to do with its cast, crew or director. An unavoidable paradox undermines the show; the rat pack were plain cool – they partied, they drank, and they womanised, doing things their way. Tribute acts, however, are unavoidably kitsch. Sure, the performers are wearing sharp tuxes and lighting cigarettes mid-song, but I know that they are trying to be like someone else – and that is just not cool. Its ok for Abba and Queen to have tribute musicals – no one seriously still reveres their style anyways – but the rat pack have timeless grace. Maybe with enough audience enthusiasm my disbelief could have been suspended for just one night, but certainly not within the insipid atmosphere of the half empty New Theatre. Following Sinatra’s infamous ‘I’ve Got You Under My Skin’, Tam Ward gestured to his band and bid the technical crew to “light ‘em up”. I wish he hadn’t. Undoubtedly they were wonderful musicians, but they were also very old. The unforgiving stage lights did not expose an awful lot of hair amongst the fifteen strong ensemble, and much of what it did reveal had a distinctly silver hue. Turning to consider my audience members I could not help but notice a pattern emerging. The show provided a nostalgic glance back at a wonderful part of music history, and those for whom it evoked memories of great times left buzzing. As for the rest of us, ‘The Rat Pack’ proves pleasant, if uninspiring, fare.
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Well well Richard… Were you actually at the show or do you just read a few details of the shows content and review it in any case? I am the lead sax player in the Rat Pack show visiting the New Theatre at the moment and take great exception to the way you have reviewed the orchestra. I quote you below:
“Tam Ward gestured to his band and bid the technical crew to “light ‘em up”. I wish he hadn’t. Undoubtedly they were wonderful musicians, but they were also very old. The unforgiving stage lights did not expose an awful lot of hair amongst the fifteen strong ensemble, and much of what it did reveal had a distinctly silver hue.”
I have been in this business for 34 years and have never had to suffer reading such a totally ageist review of a live big bands performance…. I am the second oldest member of the band (51 years old) and had the privilege of backing The Mr.Sinatra three times. When I played for him, he was bald but sported a grey/”silver” wig when on stage. I don’t remember any complaints from the audiences with regard to the lack of hair or the color of the remaining hair on the attending musicians…or indeed the color of the musicians or their age.
Most of this orchestra are under forty years old (not that it matters to you) If you had any vague idea that you are qualified to post a review, you might at sometime have noticed (during the performance you claim to have attended), we are a band of brothers that number 12. Yes 12…
How did you find the time to make personal comments; on our age, hair colour, lack of hair in general and still manage to count 15 musicians onstage?.. Maybe its time you retired and handed your job over to someone; “younger/not ageist/ who can count higher than ten without having to take their shoes and socks off?
The oldest member of our traveling band is 72 years old. He has grey hair and uses glasses to read. His wit, talent, energy and musicianship shine like excalibur.
You should try to aspire to be like him? Although old, he can still count up to fifteen and is still young enough to realize he is onstage with 11 other great musicians whilst you sat in the audience and counted 15 and reviewed 15.
…. Hmm, I hate to be ageist but don’t you think its time you stepped aside for someone…anyone…even my Cat who would be able to give a rough idea to a ticket buyer who might like an evening at the theatre what the show contained. and how many personell were on-stage?.. I suggest you retire now as its beyond your grasp.
Yours Sincerely, Scott Povey
ive seen it and though i lol’d a few times and tee hee’d once or twice, i have to agree with the reviewer. solid but unspectacular. not as good as the Boyfriend the other day. that Bobby Van Heusen was dreamy.
Dear Scott,
Whilst I am sure you are correct in stating that there were twelve (yes twelve!) band members performing, I find your focus on this slight discrepancy somewhat pedantic. Perhaps your tirade regarding my inability to count might be more suitably directed at those responsible for composing your programme, which quotes there to be a “talented cast and 15-piece orchestra”, to which I referred when composing my review.
I can’t help but feel as if you have misconstrued the general tone of my review. I have no doubt that the eldest member of your band possesses “wit, talent, energy and musicianship” that “shine like Excalibur”. In fact, I refer you to the point in my review when I described the band’s performance as “flawless”. In regards to my comment regarding the age of both the audience and the band, it was merely intended to highlight the demographic to which your show most strongly appeals. It is a tribute act, which borders on being kitsch and is therefore of limited appeal to younger theatre-goers.
In regards to the provocative “personal” comments which you locate in my review, I would ask you to read my review alongside your comment and consider which is more derisive and offensive in its content. To respond to the plethora of ad hominum attacks which you level at my person would be to justify their place in critical discourse – something I am not willing to do. I hope that the rest of your run at the New Theatre was enjoyable for audience and cast alike.
Regards, Richard
I’ve recently started a blog, the information you provide on this site has helped me tremendously. Thank you for all of your time & work.
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