Reviewed by Suzanne Angeo (Member, American Theatre Critics Association)
and Greg Angeo (Member Emeritus, San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle)
Photos courtesy of Sean Carter Photography
From left: Corbin Payne, Jackey Good, Eric Coles, Malik Jordan, Javier Alfonso Castellanos
A Heavenly Trio Takes the Stage at Meadow Brook
It’s been many years since they left this Earth, but Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr, affectionately known as The Rat Pack, still have millions of fans around the world. They remain some of the most influential entertainers of the twentieth century. A story by noted writers James Hindman and Ray Roderick, and musical arrangements by John Glaudini, result in a funny, entertaining and highly original tribute to Frank, Dean and Sammy called The Rat Pack Lounge, now being presented as part of Meadow Brook Theatre’s 58th Anniversary season.
There’s no shortage of talent onstage, but you won’t see any Frank, Dean or Sammy impersonators here. Which means none of the performers look or sound much like the originals, although some trademark mannerisms can be glimpsed now and then: Dino’s ever-present cocktail glass; Frankie’s friendly swagger; Sammy’s infectious energy. But no matter: these guys can really sing.
The curtain goes up, and we find ourselves in Heaven and learn that God has a very important 3 o’clock meeting with three very important Heavenly residents: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. It seems there is one unhappy dude down on Earth who, years ago as a child, was promised something by Mr Sinatra. A promise that was not kept. And Vic, the unhappy dude, is determined to commit suicide because the Las Vegas lounge he inherited from his dad is a failure. God says he will hold all three guys accountable and send them straight to That Other Place (where Peter Lawford resides) unless they return to earth and give the despondent Vic a reason to go on living. They will even get some help from an angelic emissary named Angie. So the boys are sent on a mission to save Vic, and themselves. The minor issue of not having physical bodies is resolved in a fun and unexpected way.
From left, seated: Malik Jordan, Eric Coles, Corbin Payne
Standing: Javier Alfonso Castellanos
Corbin Payne, a New York City-based singer and actor, does a convincing job of singing, and playing, Old Blue Eyes with a Jersey guy’s toughness tempered with kindness and warmth. Malik Jordan, a regional theatre veteran, captures Sammy’s joyous and exuberant spirit, and even does some excellent tap-dancing. A bearded Javier Alfonso Castellanos is a surprising choice as the clean-shaven Dino, but he offers a comic character turn, waving his glass and cigarette while delivering fine vocals.
The heartbroken saloonkeeper Vic is played with some initial restraint by stage, film and TV veteran Eric Coles. This sets the stage for Vic (and his establishment) to really burst into bloom in the second half of the show, revealing amazing talent and determination that more than justifies The Rat Pack’s journey back to Earth. His friend and accomplice, an angel named Angie (suspiciously like Rat Pack pal Angie Dickenson), is played with vim-and-verve by New York City native Jackey Good and practically steals the show whenever she performs (“Too Close for Comfort” and “I Love Being Here With You”) with her stunning dance moves and vocals.
Lighting by Scott Ross evokes a swinging 60s Vegas lounge vibe with magenta and acid green hues, warm baby spots and dappled heavenly starlight. Thunderclaps, lightning and the Voice of God are provided courtesy of Brendan Eaton’s sound design. The note-perfect musical numbers are performed by a swinging, jazzy four-piece band directed by Brent Frederick. The band is almost hidden upstage behind a translucent scrim which keeps them discreetly involved in the proceedings. Simple but effective period attire by costume designer Karen Kangas-Preston completes the effect.
A likeable cast, fabulous vocals and ingenious storytelling at the expert guidance of director Travis Walter make for a most enjoyable way to pass 95 minutes. The pace is lively, but without an intermission one can still get restless. There are 30 performances of 27 beloved songs, including “Volare”, “Come Fly With Me”, “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head”, “What Kind of Fool Am I?” and “Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime”.
Even if you don’t think of yourself as a fan of this kind of music, these five performers can make you one. As director Walter says, “People from all generations love the music of this era. The Rat Pack Lounge is a great and creative way to tie 30 songs together with a great story about the importance of keeping your promises.”
When: Now through May 18, 2025
Tickets $39 to $48
Where: Meadow Brook Theatre at Wilson Hall
Oakland University
378 Meadow Brook Rd
Rochester Hills, MI 48309
(248) 377-3300
www.mbtheatre.com
Note: All performers in this production are members of Actors Equity Association, a labor union representing American actors and stage managers in the theatre.
This production is made possible through the generous support of the Michigan Arts and Cultural Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation, the Shubert Foundation and the Meadow Brook Theatre Guild.
