| Rat Pack in Manchester | - Mon 22 May - Sat 27 May
- Opera House
- Quay St, Manchester M3 3HP
- Tel: 0870 401 9000
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Experiencing a rather wet and miserable journey to the Opera House on Monday night you would have been forgiven for not getting into the spirit of recreating the magic of Vegas for this conference of cool. However, after the witty opening announcement and first few bars of Luck be a Lady, the rainy weather was soon forgotten and people entered into Sinatra’s world – complete with a sophisticated set, a fine backing Orchestra, three classy broads and of course Frank, Dean and Sammy - the coolest guys in town. I have never been a huge fan of sound-alike artists but I make allowances for the better ones, and Louis Hoover as Sinatra, Michael Nielson as Martin and Allie Laurie as Davis certainly fall into that category. This show includes all the great songs; Lady is a Tramp, I’ve Got You Under My Skin, Mr Bojangles, Candyman, Memories are Made of This and Sway. Although it would be virtually impossible to achieve the exact chemistry of the original Rat Pack, this production is successful at times in demonstrating the relationship between the three main performers. With plenty of cigarette lighting, references to alcohol and the comic routines reintroduced from the late 50’s and early 60’s we are given an insight into what was a classic night at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas. With one gag there is allusion to the Klu Klux Klan which illustrates just how of their time these performances were. I am a Sinatra man myself but found myself enjoying the evening more when Michael Nielson’s Dean Martin was on stage. He had a great rapport with the audience and got all the biggest laughs. Louis Hoover though has his moments. He has certainly studied Sinatra’s voice and there are times when he sings songs such as Strangers in the Night, One for My Baby and My Way where you can really appreciate just how good an impression this is. Allie Laurie also plays a convincing Sammy Davis Jnr and whether he is fooling around with the guys or belting out a hit song such as ‘What Kind of Fool Am I’ he gives it his all. Support is provided by the Barelli Sisters who look glamorous throughout, and the musicians in the Orchestra on fine form all evening join in the fun with the song That’s Life. This show has just about the right pace, New York New York ends the first half on a high and Memories are Made of This completes the second with some witty banter. You are left wishing you were actually at the Sands and could go off and experience some ring-a-ding-ding with the boys. The RAT PACK – Live From Las Vegas runs until Saturday 27th May | 
