March 24, 2008

"The Rat Pack Is Back!" is a trip down memory lane.

Frank, Sammy, Joey and Dean come back to life in "The Rat Pack Is Back" at the Plaza in Downtown Las Vegas. The show was at the Greek Isles for several years but recently moved to the Plaza's Copa Room. Adorned with vintage chandeliers, this venue is more fitting for this remarkable show, which is filled with the hits that that capture the spirit of classic, old school Vegas.

Sandy Hackett, who produces the show along with Dick Feeney, shines as the Rat Pack's comic, Joey Bishop. "I rear-ended a car and a midget got out and looked at the damage," Hackett said. "He said, 'I'm not happy.' I said, "Which one are you, then?"" As Dean Martin, Johnny Edwards has a cigarette and cocktail in is hand throughout most of the show and encourages audience members to keep drinking before launching into "That's Amore" and "Ain't That a Kick in the Head." Kyle Diamond receives cheers and applause for "Mr. Bojangles," and Brian Duprey as Frank Sinatra brings down the house with songs such as "Luck Be a Lady" and "You Make Me Feel So Young." The performers (including Stacey Nicole as Marilyn Monroe) channel the voices, appearances and personalities of the stars they portray in a way that's uncanny.

"The Rat Pack Is Back" is performed in The Copa Room at the Plaza Downtown Mon. -Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 7:30 and 10 p.m. Tickets are $49.95 and $59.95 for dinner and the show. Call 702-386-2444.

By Jen Lawson