The Rat Pack was a group of actors and musicians who performed on stage and in films in the early-1960s. The group was headed by ‘king of cool’ Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Junior and the legendary Frank Sinatra. This stage performance provides a tribute to this act. The show begins with an impersonation of Dean Martin, followed by his fellow bandmate who performs as Sammy Davis Junior. Finally, we are greeted by an impersonation of Frank Sinatra.
The lead singers are backed by a 7-piece brass section, double bass, guitar, piano and the three Burelli Sisters. The men intersperse songs with ‘drunken’ behaviour in an attempt to convey the authentic feel of a 1960s Jazz Swing performance.
Out of the three lead vocalists, Sammy Davis Junior receives the most rapturous response, wowing the audience as his dancing, wit and his vocal talent exceeds that of his comrades.Following the all-male introduction, the first Burelli sister steps up with an exceptional performance of Frank Sinatra’s ‘I Get A Kick Out Of You’. She is joined by the two other female singers for a rendition of Duke Ellington’s sensation ‘It Don’t Mean a Thing (If I Ain’t Got That Swing)’. The Burelli sisters’ addition to the show is a true asset as they sing in character with precision and flamboyance.
The band is highly talented and the singers relive of the original act well. However, the early evening timeslot and the small audience does little to re-create a 1960s American night of heavy drinking and tomfoolery. Although the flat atmosphere in the crowd is not reflected on stage, the tribute can feel like a compromise of the originality so integral to shows at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Those looking for something pushing boundaries in the musical world will find little innovation here, but this high-quality entertainment will draw appreciation from lovers of the 60s scene.
