Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: ‘Rat Pack’ premiere conjures old Las Vegas spirit

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Aug. 26, 1998 | 9:57 a.m.

IF ONLY FOR a single magical evening, the spirit of old Las Vegas returned with the nostalgic glamour of HBO's premiere of "The Rat Pack." Using the Desert Inn hotel's luxuriant beauty as a backdrop, stars and other prominent guests arrived by limousine for red carpet greetings by sparkling show girls and the flashing cameras of multiple photographers.

Gov. Bob Miller was in top spirits as he stopped to speak with Jackie Baskow, owner of Baskow Talent Agency, who coordinated much of the film's casting. Making his way into the hotel and the screening in the Crystal Showroom as well was Paul Anka, who graciously posed for candid snapshots and visited with the assembled fans. Receiving equally enthusiastic responses were Frankie Avalon, Angie Dickinson, George Clooney, super-model Cindy Crawford and others. Lending their own talents to the evening were "Rat Pack" stars Bobby Slayton (Joey Bishop), Angus Macfayden (Peter Lawford), Ray Liotta (Frank Sinatra), Las Vegan Don Cheadle (Sammy Davis Jr.) and my all-around favorite from the film, Joe Mantegna, who gave special grace to his role as Dean Martin for this made-for-cable movie.

Sprinkled among the stars, producers and other entertainment industry leaders were locals including Assemblyman Bob Price, Kitty Rodman with Claudine Williams and Regent Thalia Dondero, Jay and Jennifer Eisenberg, State Sen. Valerie Weiner, Abbie Friedman and Denny Weddle. Billie Parker, who's supervising the construction of her new home at Lake Las Vegas from a penthouse suite at the Desert Inn, enjoyed the opportunity to meet Las Vegans Mary Hausch with her husband, State Sen. Bob Coffin, as well as Judge Nancy Oesterle, Pat and Lamar Marchese and Commissioner Lorraine Hunt.

Arnaud Briand, executive chef and chief culinary wizard for the Desert Inn hotel, used his creativity to produce a suitably "Italian-influenced" menu for the evening's reception. Serving stations beckoned from every corner with a special magnetic draw to the one bearing a huge neon martini glass where special "Rat Pack" libations were dispensed.

Frankie Randall and his talented 17-piece orchestra beguiled the senses into believing "Old Blue Eyes" was back among us. Many were drawn to the dance floor and all enjoyed the enchanting music. Those who stayed on to midnight were treated to a bit of Las Vegas history come-to-life, as Frankie Randall shared his microphone with Sonny King, Buddy Greco, Freddie Bell, and other noted lounge performers for "Luck Be A Lady Tonight." Earlier, Greco and his bride Lezlie Anders spoke of their recent Alaskan cruise and the move to a ranch on the outskirts of Las Vegas. Sonny King, who reminisced about his early years in New York City when he and Dean Martin were roommates, also told hilarious stories of the Rat Pack's many adventures in Las Vegas.

Staying on to savor the evening were Roger and Sandy Peltyn with Michelle and Michael Berk, John and Jean Norton, Terri Monsour with husband Kenny Burt, Pat and Lamar Marchese and Brenda Weems, as well as stars Connie Stevens and Megan Dodds, who did an outstanding job as May Britt in "The Rat Pack."

Symphony support

The Nevada Chamber Symphony is delighted to report that a group of friends has organized to form a guild in support of the orchestra, which enters its 14th season this year. With the primary goal of assisting the board of the Nevada Chamber Symphony, the guild has been established to provide critical assistance with fund-raising activities and other support. Founded in 1985 by Maestro Rodolfo Fernandez, the orchestra has an extensive educational outreach program, which reaches thousands of students in our community each year.

Orchestra volunteers Joan and Bill Hellman and Barbara and John Ciaravino took the initiative to invite fellow supporters to an organizational meeting which led to the formation of the new guild. Charter officers elected include Joan Hellman (president), Bernice Pinsky (vice president), Celeste Harlow (secretary), and Geri Mishmash (treasurer). Charter members of the guild include Kay Tart, Mary and Richard Davis, Charles Mishmash, John and Barbara Ciaravino, Bill Hellman, Claudia Kelley, Carol Lee Stober, Joann Titus and Russ Erickson. An open invitation has been extended to all who wish to join and participate in support of live performance. Information is available by calling the Nevada Chamber Symphony Guild at 656-0126.

Game on

A note from D. Bryce Rose, director and club liaison for the USC Club of Southern Nevada, alerted us to the pigskin classic -- USC vs. Purdue University -- slated for Sunday. Alumni, friends and football fans of the University of Southern California, along with Purdue University alumni and fans, will kick-off the 1998 college football season at Steiner's Pub, 8410 W. Cheyenne Ave. (at Rampart Blvd.). The party gets underway at 11:30 a.m. with food and beverage specials offered during the game. Guests are encouraged to wear attire supportive of their favorite team. For further details call USC Club voice mail at 387-7532.

Bader speaks

Like the rest of America, our residents want to embrace good health as well as enjoy the bounty of dining table. Addressing this issue at a free offering will be Dr. Myles Bader, regarded as one of the leading authorities in the field of wellness and prevention. His presentation on Thursday, at Regent at Mira Loma Assisted Living Community, begins at 7 p.m. This new facility in Green Valley is at 2520 Wigwam Parkway.

Known by many as the "Doctor of Food Facts," Dr. Bader has been featured on many radio and television programs, among them The Oprah Winfrey Show and Crook and Chase on TNN. Bader is also a noted author of titles on stress management, weight control, fitness and cardiac rehabilitation. For further information, please call 260-8400.

Chapter meeting

Ice cream, good fellowship and a welcoming hand to new and potential members were enjoyed during Sunday's AAUW-American Association of University Women party. Planned to perfection by a committee that included Arlene Southard, the ice cream social and membership mixer was hosted by realtor Teri Burton at her home in the Lakes.

Welcoming arrivals was AAUW chapter president Monica Fuller, who was seen with Susie Sweeney, Pat Cardinalli, Mary Gafford, Jean Anderson and Lila Holsworth. Relating stories of their summer vacations were Laura Lippold, Pat McNutt, Judy Ingham and past president Lily Fong. Carol Chabre attended with her daughter, Suzanne Chabre, who recently returned to our city from Minneapolis-St. Paul to take an executive position with Bally's Resort. Others seen in attendance included Jeanne Stone, Ramona Clapp, Dr. Patricia Duncombe, Barbara Slivac, Martha Wood and Patty Baker.