THE RAT PACK LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS to 21 November.
London.
THE RAT PACK LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS.
Adelphi Theatre. Strand WC2E 7NA To 21 November 2009.
Mon-Fri 7.30pm;Sat 8pm. Mat Thu 3.30pm, Sat 4pm.
Runs 2hr 30min One interval.
NB Christmas With The Rat Pack takes over 24 November to 3 January 2010.
TICKETS: 0844 412 4651.
Review: Geoff Ambler 28 September 2009.
Upbeat big band swing, live from the Strand
Reviving just across the road from the Savoy, home of its quite recent run, ,The Rat Pack Live From Las Vegas are back with their glitzy, swinging Vegas show. Bringing Sammy Davis Junior, Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra back to the Strand so soon and in time for Christmas, when it is scheduled to transform into the seasonal variation of the show, should offer a tempting destination for fans of these giants of music.
The Rat Pack recreates the Vegas experience of the three best-known Rats and is more than a medley of their hits. Sammy, Dean and Frank act out the wit, mockery and jokes that could have come from the shows they performed for so many years in that Mecca of US excess.
Dean Martin never appears without a drink, Sammy Davis Junior is the nimblest of dancers, with wit and flair, and Frank Sinatra is Chairman of the Board. The reliance on Sinatra’s reputation leaves Louis Hoover with the show’s biggest challenge. Without the humour inherent in Davis and Martin’s personalities, Hoover just has Sinatra’s songs to excite the audience.
Though his music is some of the finest their era produced, Hoover never quite channels Sinatra’s distinctive sound. It is a little disappointing as Gils Terera’s Davis and Mark Adams’ Martin sound fine. Adams enjoys some wondrous writing both from the show and his collection of songs (in particular 'Volare' and 'That’s Amore') and his always entertaining lovable drunk act. Terera imbues a taller Davis Junior with snappy moves, his loveable underdog routines and a joyous 'Mr. Bojangles'.
More than just support for the famous three, The Burelli Sisters (Charlie Bull, Grace Holdstock, Lizzii Hills) sound good, are magnificent dancers, incredibly sexy, funny and have plenty of swing.
Act One ends with New York, New York, an uplifting spectacle creating a high going into the interval. The show climaxes with That’s Life, another ensemble masterpiece before Hoover battles through My Way, a missed chance for a final strong impression. However it’s early in the run and when he gets Sinatra right, this show will be a delight.
Frank Sinatra: Louis Hoover.
Sammy Davis Jnr: Gils Terera.
Dean Martin: Mark Adams.
Martha Burelli: Charlie Bull.
Connee Burelli: Grace Holdstock.
Helevetia Burelli: Lizzii Hills.
Swing: Lucy Holloway.
Director & Choreographer: Mitch Sebastian.
Designer: Sean Cavanagh.
Designer/Costume: Christopher Woods.
Lighting: Chris Ellis.
Sound: Chris Whybrow.
Musical Supervisor/Musical Director: Matthew Freeman.
Resident director: Jo Kempton.
2009-10-02 08:44:47