Preview: The Rat Pack, New Theatre, Cardiff

May 6 2008 by Matt Thomas, Western Mail

SAMMY, Deano and Frank swing back into action in this recreation of the Rat Pack’s glory days when Las Vegas casinos like the Sand would play host to sold-out musical extravaganzas hosted by the stars.

The trio first performed together in the 1960 “Summit of The Sands”, held during the filming of the original Ocean’s Eleven.

It marked the beginning of a decade-long collaboration that held the public spell-bound, drawing audiences from across America. Some star-struck fans resorted to sleeping in cars and hotel lobbies, hoping for a glimpse of their idols.

The Sinatra-lead incarnation of the Rat Pack grew out of an elite group of golden-age Hollywood names, headed up by Humphrey Bogart. When Frank took charge, the line-up changed to include film star Joey Bishop and actor Peter Lawford, the brother-in-law of John F Kennedy.

But the core group of Sammy Davis Jr, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin became synonymous with the sophisticated blend of song, dance and gags that typified the hip Las Vegas of the 1960s.

The group even developed their own argot, dedicating themselves to “having a little hey-hey”, slang for a good time, and avoiding anything that was “Dullsville, Ohio”.

In-jokes and private banter became extended on-stage comedy routines but it wasn’t all fun and games for the Rat Pack. Some claim they played a major role in the integration of Las Vegas casinos, refusing to play at venues that would not offer full service to black patrons or entertainers like Sammy.

This latest tribute brings a 15-piece orchestra, talented cast and classic songs such as Mr Bojangles, The Lady is A Tramp and New York, New York, back to the stage.

The three male mainstays of the show are backed by the Burelli sisters, a trio of blonde bombshells trying their best to stay aloof from the occasionally zany antics.

Although interest in the group faded by the end of the 1960s, their legacy is still going strong.

Sample the glamour at the New Theatre from May 19. Call 029 2087 8889 or visit www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk for tickets.