Two tributes have much in common

Sunday, Feb. 12, 2006 | 7:14 a.m.

What: "The Tribute to Frank, Sammy, Joey and Dean."

When: 6 p.m. dinner seating; 8:15 p.m. show Saturdays through Thursdays. Dark Fridays.

Where: Greek Isles' Star Theatre.

Rating (out of five stars): **** 1/2

"The Tribute to Frank, Sammy, Joey and Dean" at the Greek Isles and "Forever Plaid" at the Gold Coast have several things in common.

The premises of both stories are the same -- fantasies about deceased entertainers who are sent back to Earth from heaven for one final performance. Both are musicals interspersed with comedy, effused with sentimentality, percolating with nostalgia. And both are excellent productions that draw in throngs of fans despite the fact that both are off the Strip.

The plot of "Forever Plaid" centers on four singers killed in a car accident on Feb. 9, 1964, en route to pick up the custom-made plaid tuxedos they were going to wear in their act.

"The Tribute to Frank, Sammy, Joey and Dean," focuses on the music, comedy and friendship of the Rat Pack.

The reasonable prices may have something to do with their respective successes -- "Forever" tickets are $44 for just the show and $49.50 for a package that includes a dinner and show; tickets to the Rat Pack tribute are $49.50 for the show and $63.50 for a show and dinner.

With the skyrocketing ticket prices in Las Vegas, these two gems are bargains. But price isn't everything.

If the shows were subpar and a waste of time, producers would be hard pressed to give away tickets.

But "Forever Plaid" and "The Tribute to Frank, Sammy, Joey and Dean" are fun shows, easy to sit through time and again.

"Forever Plaid" had a six-year run at the Flamingo, closing in 2000. It reopened in January 2005 at the Gold Coast.

The Rat Pack show has been at the Greek Isles for more than 3 1/2 years, debuting in June 2002.

Dick Feeney and Sandy Hackett are producers of "The Tribute to Frank, Sammy, Joey and Dean."

They brought in director Ben Lokey last summer to tweak the show, and it now seems to flow more smoothly.

One of the most important elements of this musical is the live band, a 12-piece orchestra under the direction of Jeff Greenberg.

The musicians add a dimension to the production that is absent in shows that rely on canned music.

Sweeny and Hackett have expanded their modest production -- a few months ago opening a second show in San Francisco, where Hackett plays the role of Joey Bishop and oversees the operation.

Hackett, a lifelong friend of the 88- year-old Bishop, originated the role in Las Vegas.

Replacing him locally is Tom Wallek, a comedian who captures the essence of Bishop, both physically and vocally.

In recent months almost the entire cast of the Las Vegas production has changed. Only Marilyn Monroe lookalike Stacey Nicole is still with the show.

Several performers fill in for the various roles. On the night that I attended, David DeCosta played the role of Frank Sinatra and Ryan Lawrence was Sammy Davis Jr. Bobby Mayo Jr. portrayed Dean Martin.

Mayo probably bears the least physical resemblance to his character than any of the other performers, but he is so good at emulating Martin's vocal inflections and mannerisms that you forget about appearances and get lost in the character.

He dominates when he is onstage.

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