Sinatra tribute artist heading for N.Y.

Thursday, Dec. 15, 2005 | 8:19 a.m.

Local Frank Sinatra tribute artist Gary Anthony is packing his fedora and headed for the Big Apple on the red-eye flight tonight to perform in an off-Broadway cabaret.

"Its just one more step to Broadway, baby," Anthony said.

The entertainer has been doing his Sinatra rendition in Las Vegas for more than a decade. His most recent public engagement was with "The Tribute to Frank, Sammy, Joey and Dean" at the Greek Isles, which he left in September to concentrate on corporate work.

The oppor-tunity to take his act to New York came earlier this week when David Cassidys production of "The Rat Pack Is Back" closed before it was to of.cially open on Mon-day.

The show began preview performances on Nov. 17 at The Supper Club (240 W. 47th St., between Broadway and Eighth Avenue). After eight shows, it closed. "Due to unforeseen and irreconcilable circumstances on both artistic and managerial levels," a prepared statement by a Cassidy spokes-man said.

The production was co-written by Cassidy and Don Reo and starred Julian Rebolledo as Dean, Eric Jordan Young as Sammy, Michael Civisca as Frank and Mark Cohen as Joey. Cassidy made a special appearance during the show.

When it was abruptly canceled, a replacement show -- "Frank, Dean and Sammy in Concert" -- was provided by David Kings Spirit of the Dance Productions & Dublin Worldwide Productions.

Anthony worked for the pro-duction company last year in Myrtle Beach, S.C. In addition to Anthony, the show in New Yorks theater district will include Louis Velez as Sammy Davis Jr. and Russ Loniello as Dean Martin.

Velez and Anthony worked together in the tribute show at the Greek Isles. Loniello has performed as Martin all over the country, including many of the casinos in Las Vegas.

"Basically, this will be the same show we did in Myrtle Beach," Anthony said. Which is fortunate, because the cast will have only one day to rehearse before "Frank, Dean and Sammy in Concert" debuts Saturday.

Anthony said if the show does well, it could be extended through January, and possibly longer.

Jerry Fink can be reached at 259-4058 or at jerry@lasvegassun.com. Anthony