{"id":108979,"date":"2025-04-28T13:25:09","date_gmt":"2025-04-28T20:25:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/forallevents.com\/reviews\/?p=108979"},"modified":"2025-04-28T17:04:40","modified_gmt":"2025-04-29T00:04:40","slug":"the-rat-pack-lounge-at-meadow-brook-theatre-rochester-hills-mi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/forallevents.com\/reviews\/the-rat-pack-lounge-at-meadow-brook-theatre-rochester-hills-mi\/","title":{"rendered":"The Rat Pack Lounge at Meadow Brook Theatre, Rochester Hills, MI"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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Reviewed by Suzanne Angeo (Member, American Theatre Critics Association)<\/em><\/p>\n

and Greg Angeo (Member Emeritus, San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle)<\/em><\/p>\n

Photos courtesy of Sean Carter Photography<\/em><\/p>\n

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From left: Corbin Payne, Jackey Good, Eric Coles, Malik Jordan, Javier Alfonso Castellanos<\/p><\/div>\n

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A Heavenly Trio Takes the Stage at Meadow Brook<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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It\u2019s 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<\/strong> and Ray Roderick<\/strong>, and musical arrangements by John Glaudini<\/strong>, result in a funny, entertaining and highly original tribute to Frank, Dean and Sammy called The Rat Pack Lounge<\/em>, now being presented as part of Meadow Brook Theatre\u2019s 58th<\/sup> Anniversary season.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s no shortage of talent onstage, but you won\u2019t 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\u2019s ever-present cocktail glass; Frankie\u2019s friendly swagger; Sammy\u2019s infectious energy. But no matter: these guys can really sing.<\/p>\n

The curtain goes up, and we find ourselves in Heaven and learn that God has a very important 3 o\u2019clock 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.<\/p>\n

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From left, seated: Malik Jordan, Eric Coles, Corbin Payne
Standing: Javier Alfonso Castellanos<\/p><\/div>\n

Corbin Payne<\/strong>, a New York City-based singer and actor, does a convincing job of singing, and playing, Old Blue Eyes with a Jersey guy\u2019s toughness tempered with kindness and warmth. Malik Jordan<\/strong>, a regional theatre veteran, captures Sammy\u2019s joyous and exuberant spirit, and even does some excellent tap-dancing. A bearded Javier Alfonso Castellanos<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

The heartbroken saloonkeeper Vic is played with some initial restraint by stage, film and TV veteran Eric Coles<\/strong>. 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\u2019s 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<\/strong> and practically steals the show whenever she performs (\u201cToo Close for Comfort\u201d and \u201cI Love Being Here With You\u201d) with her stunning dance moves and vocals.<\/p>\n

Lighting by Scott Ross<\/strong> 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\u2019s<\/strong> sound design. The note-perfect musical numbers are performed by a swinging, jazzy four-piece band directed by Brent Frederick<\/strong>. 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<\/strong> completes the effect.<\/p>\n

A likeable cast, fabulous vocals and ingenious storytelling at the expert guidance of director Travis Walter<\/strong> 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 \u201cVolare\u201d, \u201cCome Fly With Me\u201d, \u201cAin\u2019t That a Kick in the Head\u201d, \u201cWhat Kind of Fool Am I?\u201d and \u201cEverybody Loves Somebody Sometime\u201d.<\/p>\n

Even if you don\u2019t think of yourself as a fan of this kind of music, these five performers can make you one. As director Walter says, \u201cPeople from all generations love the music of this era. The Rat Pack Lounge<\/em> is a great and creative way to tie 30 songs together with a great story about the importance of keeping your promises.\u201d<\/p>\n

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When: Now through May 18, 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n

Tickets $39 to $48\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

Where: Meadow Brook Theatre at Wilson Hall<\/strong><\/p>\n

Oakland University<\/strong><\/p>\n

378 Meadow Brook Rd<\/strong><\/p>\n

Rochester Hills, MI 48309<\/strong><\/p>\n

(248) 377-3300<\/strong><\/p>\n

www.mbtheatre.com<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Note: All performers in this production are members of Actors Equity Association, a labor union representing American actors and stage managers in the theatre.<\/p>\n

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.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

  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   A…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"yasr_overall_rating":4,"yasr_post_is_review":"","yasr_auto_insert_disabled":"","yasr_review_type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-108979","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-greg-suzanne-angeo"},"yasr_visitor_votes":{"stars_attributes":{"read_only":true,"span_bottom":"