Page 28 - Emag_FebMarch2020

Rat Pack: A Time Before Rollercoasters and Volcanos

by Kevin Barber
960’s Las Vegas saw the arrival of director Lewis Milestone be part of an exciting group and has found a second family among
and a star-studded cast to complete shooting the heist film, the tribute stars of Las Vegas.
1“Ocean’s 11.” Its principal stars, Frank, Sammy and Dean In 2001 he began performing
were on the set by day, and playing the showrooms at night.... often as the legendary Sammy
crashing the other’s acts until dawn. Davis Jr. and played Las
The Sands marquee read, DEAN MARTIN - MAYBE SAMMY - Vegas show rooms at the
MAYBE FRANK Riviera, Tropicana and
Las Vegas was flush with the world’s finest entertainers and Frank, Westward Ho. He’s enjoyed
Sammy and Dean were the main event. The scene became legend. portraying Sammy in
numerous Rat Pack, as well
The memory of those times as other popular tribute
is indelible and the impact shows in the U.S. and abroad.
they had on American
culture,entertainment Capturing the essence of
and style continues to Frank Sinatra, Robbie
influence and inspire. Howard stands apart from
But you won’t find any a look-a-like or sound-a-
famous marquees or Copa like entertainer. He works
Room stage to snap a the audience with the same
quick selfie. Only a few charisma as “Old Blue Eyes” himself.
plaques commemorating The music, the comedy, the wit,
the spots where kings once the smile, are all there as Howard
played are all that remain. smoothly brings Sinatra back to life.
By and by the legendary A Las Vegas headliner in sold-out
showrooms have been shows for more than ten years, Robbie
imploded and replaced offers a refreshing take beyond the
with roller coasters and lights and flash of entertainment fads.
mega resorts. The New York Times says, “Frank
Today, thanks to tributes Sinatra is coolly, confidently embodied
shows, our favorite by Robbie Howard, whose musical
legends take to the stage intonations and phrasing nicely evokes
and perform once again. ‘Old Blue Eyes.’”
On Sunday, March 8, Diamond Horseshoe Productions of Las “Direct From Las Vegas, the Rat Pack” celebrates the iconic songs
Vegas, returns for their sixth engagement at the Eisemann Center and banter along with the spontaneity that made the Rat Pack
in Richardson, to present one of their finest shows yet,“Direct from legendary.
Las Vegas, the Rat Pack.” The cast members are three of Las Vegas’
most in-demand entertainers, Andy DiMino, Lambus Dean and Owned and operated by husband and wife team, Debra and Kevin
Robbie Howard. They’ve logged thousands of performances in the Barber, Diamond Horseshoe Productions presents the best of Las
top, most successful tribute shows, held years long Las Vegas strip Vegas entertainment all across the country.
residencies and played venues across the nation and worldwide. “We adore Richardson.” Says Debra Barber. “From the amazing
Andy DiMino bears a remarkable resemblance and is a natural audiences, to the musicians, vendors and the entire Eisemann staff,
when it comes to portraying Dean Martin. As a child, DiMino it is a joy to be here.”
watched the “Dean Martin Variety Show” weekly. Today, his credits “We bring the professional shows we love and what we believe
are extensive with thousands of performances and appearances as the Eisemann Center patrons, volunteers and staff will love too."
Dean Martin, including a comedy sketch with Jay Leno on the Kevin says. "We strive to stand apart by bringing a show that will
“Tonight Show.” captivate an audience and exceed expectations."
His love of music and a flair for singing and comedic stage Asked about “Direct from Las Vegas, the Rat Pack” show, Kevin
performance, DiMino brings “Ol’ Red Eyes” to life in a way that smiles, “I’ve seen the show a lot and love it just as much every
would make Frank jealous. single time.”
The San Francisco Chronicle pens, “Andy DiMino is a brilliantly The Sands Copa Room of the 1960s may be long gone, but
conceived, uncanny, total embodiment of Martin.” fortunately, fans and newcomers alike can find its spirit living and
Sammy Davis Jr. springs to life through Lambus Dean. Growing breathing on stages across the globe - and coming March 8, right
up as one of eight boys and three girls, he knew he was destined to here in Richardson, Texas.•

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