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The Rat Pack's Back Dunstan Playhouse Tues 15 June, Season closed The Rat Pack's back, all right, and hasn't missed a drink. Creators Dale Burridge, David Malek, Simon Pryer and Michael Falzon have put together a stunning nightclub act based on the romantic, pithy and melodious canon of songs sung by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr. People who grew up with these guys on 33s, 45s and on television, while imagining the life of boozy nights in Vegas with a martini in one hand and a girl in the other, and betting the lot on a craps game, will be enthralled. Peter Cousens, Dale Burridge and David Malek do not attempt impersonations of Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis, Jr, but they give you the essence of the fun and camaraderie the originals projected onto the screen with familiar characterisations (especially Cousens as Martin), quips and gags, and constant banter and interjection. Their hunt early in the show for girls at the tables and in the first few rows petrified most of the ladies, but a couple beside me was rewarded with a round of neat Scotch and a refill! Each of the trio had a story about their hero and you would think they should have been called The Brady Pack. After the wildly exuberant opening number, you'll hear very many favourites - Come Fly With Me, Valare, The Lady Is A Tramp, That's Amore, and finally a New York, New York that was impossible not to sing along to - but the show wouldn't get the ratings without the talent. Burridge is a terrifically strong singer with a bright voice, while Cousens' Martin oozed the boozer's charm. Malek did a reverential Bojangles and soft-shoed the night away. They were perfectly harmonious in voice and action and loved to take the mickey. If you are nostalgic for the rat pack and their songs, or are just introducing yourself to the style, you will love this show, unless you don't read reviews at www.dbmagazine.com.au and have already missed it.  |
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