Friday, June 21, 2002 | 9:08 a.m.
Co-producers Dick Feeney and Sandy Hackett have succeeded in recapturing the essence and the ambience of the original Sands Rat Pack days with "The Tribute to Frank, Sammy, Joey and Dean," in the Greek Isles showroom. Buddy Hackett's offstage voice directs the foursome to return to Earth, this time at the Greek Isles, and "do it one more time."
Following an applause-gathering overture by a hot 12-piece live orchestra (under the direction of Peter Radd), Frank, Sammy and Dean, in shadow, combined for an appropriate swinging version of "Where or When." The goodly house was into it as the lights came up. It was time for Joey, portrayed with uncanny accuracy by Sandy Hackett, and jokes that worked.
Rick Michel, one of the definitive Deans, then opened with "When You're Drinking," a parody on "When You're Smiling" and followed with "That's Amore" and "Ain't That A Kick In The Head," from the original version of "Ocean's Eleven."
Sammy, duplicated nicely by Luis Velez, interrupted at this point and the duo sang a duet on "Sam's Song" which came out as "Dean's Song." Sammy continued solo with "Once In A Lifetime, "That Old Black Magic" and "What Kind Of Fool Am I?" A very likable Henry Prego as Frank joined Sammy for a duet on "Me And My Shadow."
It was Frank's turn and he scored well with "Come Fly With Me," "Angel Eyes," "All of Me" and "Fly Me to the Moon." The room came alive with the entrance of Staci Bostik as Marilyn Monroe in an eye-popping, revealing red outfit. After some repartee with Frank, she singled out a male in the audience, sat on his lap and sang to him, a very warm interlude.
Marilyn left and Joey, who had comedy bits throughout, wheeled out the portable bar and the performance headed for its plateau with all four stars onstage and the entire orchestra contributing to the party that ensued with impromptu comedy, toasts, and hilarious song parodies with each star singing signature songs, plus Joey's well-received "I Can't Give You Anything But Love, Baby."
Sammy's "Mr. Bojangles" was a high point as was a reprise on "Where Or When," which set up the blockbuster closer, "Birth of the Blues." This is as close as anyone has come to capturing the feeling of the real thing. It is a special treat for anyone old enough to have been there back then. The dinner show package at $49.95 plus tax makes it an even better bargain.
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