Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Nostalgic celebration opens ‘Rat Pack’ musical show

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, July 21, 1999 | 9:39 a.m.

Elizabeth Foyt's social column appears Wednesdays. Reach her at elizabethfoytsimmons@prodigy.net.

A trip down memory lane and a most pleasurable glimpse into the golden era of live Las Vegas entertainment, "The Rat Pack is Back" is a certain pleaser for locals and visitors alike. Produced for the Desert Inn hotel by Las Vegan David Cassidy with prolific writer Don Reo, the production features a quartet of fine vocalists plus a 12-piece orchestra directed by Lon Drew Bronson.

Opening festivities extended over several days to include the resort's favored guests, as well as the press and entertainment leaders. Prior to the show champagne and hors d'oeuvres, served in an elegant manner, were enjoyed by many. Among them were Laura Herlovich, Ira David Sternberg, Helen Sax, Howard Jochsberger, Monty Rock III, Gina Molovina, Tom Hawley and Myram Borders. Guests were also presented with commemorative "Rat Pack" T-shirts and hats and a delightful CD of songs by Bobby Caldwell, who plays Frank.

The Desert Inn's Starlight Room, an intimate lounge extensively redone during the resort's massive renovation, is an ideal setting for this show, which weaves witty repartee and classic ballads most associated with Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and Joey Bishop. In keeping with this nostalgic theme, even the drinks -- among them the "Dean Martini," "Blue Eyes" and "Pink Ladies" -- are named for the music of the era.

The vocals are consistently pleasing with a strong sound, but the production truly comes alive with the performance of Steve Apple as Dean Martin. He clearly echoes the sound as well the mannerisms and body language of this superb crooner in his prime. Giving a smoky after-hours feel to his own presentation is Tony Tillman as Sammy Davis Jr., with his delightful "What Kind of Fool Am I?" and "Mr. Bojangles." Adding a special sparkle as well is the cameo singing appearance by David Cassidy in the role of a young Bobby Darin. "The Rat Pack is Back" is presented at the Desert Inn six nights a week.

Awards presentation

One of the most heart-warming events of the year is Opportunity Village's Awards Breakfast. Elegantly presented at the Four Seasons hotel, the event annually recognizes those individuals and businesses that maintain Opportunity Village's status as a premier agency for helping the mentally challenged live life to the fullest. Supporters come from all fields of endeavor, each giving of their time and expertise. Among the dozens recognized was longtime board member and legislative advocate state Sen. Mike Schneider, as well as lobbyists Larry Spitler, Bill Gregory and Gary Papageorge, who gave generously of their time to see favorable legislation pass for Nevadans.

Jeanne Hood, chairman of the Opportunity Village Foundation, and Shirley Swift, chair of the Opportunity Village Board, assisted in the presentations to awardees Bob Scott, of Master Gardeners, Linda Littell, of Las Vegas Valley Water District, Jimmy Ellis, of A Company Portable Restrooms, and Krystal Pennington, the youngest volunteer ever recognized. Others honored in ceremonies conducted with Ed Guthrie, Opportunity Village executive director, and Linda Smith, resource development director, included: David Darlington, of Underdog Signs Inc., Total Security, Inc., Wells Cargo, UNLV's Culinary students, Tiberti Fencing and J.A. Tiberti Construction, the Food and Beverage Directors Association of Las Vegas and Bat Rentals.

Also recognized were Warden Glenn Trammel of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the MGM Grand hotel, Las Vegas Councilman Michael McDonald, Richard Anderson and Ann Clements.

Attending the sold-out event were fellow supporters including Kitty Rodman, Regent Thalia Dondero, John Carlson, Wayne and Peggy Bernath, James McElhaney of Cox Communications, writer Loretta Kaye, Tom Nelms, Jim Salley and Lisa Davidson and her mother, Shirley.

Memorial scheduled

Gina Sakowicz will be remembered with a memorial Mass on Aug. 4 at 12:10 p.m. at the Guardian Angel Cathedral, 302 Cathedral Way. Patti Cooper is coordinating the program for Sakowicz, who had a rich and varied career as a television-radio producer, photo journalist, talent director and Vietnam entertainer. Gina passed away July 2, 1998 due to heart failure. She was a Las Vegas resident from 1972-1985 and later lived in Chicago before returning to our city in 1997. She is survived by husband Sig Sakowicz, daughter Christine Samaan, and a large host of friends.

For style's sake

Providing another innovative way to assist others is the fast-approaching Mile of Style Women's Expo on July 31 at Alexis Park hotel. Help others and update your own wardrobe by bringing a bag of new or "gently used" clothing to the expo. By supporting Goodwill of Southern Nevada with your donation, you will receive a free admission to the daylong event with one paid admission.

While at the expo, stop by Goodwill's Style Share booth for free demonstrations on how to accessorize your outfits, courtesy of Macy's at the Boulevard Mall. There will also be samples of items donated from the community that are sold at Goodwill's four area stores. The sale of these donated items helps fund the vocational training programs offered by Goodwill to citizens with disabilities and other special needs. For further information about Goodwill of Southern Nevada, please visit its website at sngoodwill.org or call 597-1107.