Meadow Brook Theatre’s ‘The Rat Pack Lounge’ is Toe-Tapping Fun!
Let’s be honest, what’s cooler than The Rat Pack? These musical legends transcend time, with songs and lyrics that still speak to listeners generations after they first debuted. Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. were one-of-a-kind performers, the kind of stars that singers still aspire to be. Their impact was universal, which stands at the core of James Hindman and Ray Roderick’s The Rat Pack Lounge, which is currently running at Meadow Brook Theatre.
This musical, with an original story featuring the iconic Rat Pack, explores how one person’s words and actions impact another. What we say and do has weight, even if we aren’t aware of it in the moment, and no one understands that more than these three men in the show. Brought to life by a talented cast and directed by the talented Travis Walter, there’s nothing toe-tapping fun and swinging songs to groove along to in this penultimate production from Meadow Brook Theatre’s current season. Want to discover more of what you can expect from The Rat Pack Lounge? Then grab your tap shoes and fedora, as we unpack this swinging show!
[Warning: spoilers from Meadow Brook’s production of The Rat Pack Lounge are below!]
Saving some lives in The Rat Pack Lounge
Living under the spotlight means there isn’t much we haven’t seen of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr.’s lives, so where is a show such as The Rat Pack Lounge supposed to begin? With the afterlife, of course, as this musical opens with the three icons living it up in heaven. However, after being summoned by God, the three bouncing balls of light learn to return to Earth and right a wrong they set into motion decades earlier.
You see, Frankie boy had said something to a young boy, a promise of greatness through song and dance; however, it was empty, to say the least. Instead, Vic Candelino (Eric Coles), now a grown man, has nothing he thinks he can live for. So he’s decided to take his own life. Unfortunately for The Rat Pack, if Vic follows through with his actions, it means straight to hell for the three of them. They have to return to Earth for one night, and one night only, to change Vic’s fate, allowing them to remain in paradise for eternity.
Inhabiting the bodies of three living beings, Sammy (Malik Jordan), Frank (Corbin Payne), and Dean (Javier Alfonso Castellanos), must work together (with a bit of help from an Angel of a friend, Angie (Jackey Good)), ultimately saving a few lives from unsavory fates. Can they fix their past mistakes and help Vic make The Rat Pack Lounge into something extraordinary? You’ll have to visit Meadow Brook Theatre to find out!
A strong cast makes this James Hindman and Ray Roderick musical special
They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery; however, embodying icons such as The Rat Pack is also complicated. These were living people who were so distinct in the ways they talked and moved that even to this day, people can recognize them in an instant. It has to be such a challenge for an actor to give a knockout performance for the music icon without feeling like a caricature. However, it fills me with great pleasure that not only were the performances in The Rat Pack Lounge were spot on for the legends they were embodying, but also filled with such sincerity and appreciation for the men and their careers.
Malik Jordan was an audience delight as Bobby Goldberg/Sammy Davis Jr., accurately capturing the energy and moves he exhibited in his performances. Jordan easily slips into Davis’ skin, making it seem like he is visiting an old friend instead of playing a part. He was cool, suave, and dare I say groovy? His performance had the audience moving in their seats, with a few looking ready to jump on stage for one of his signature dance numbers. Jordan’s a powerhouse from his moves to his singing, making Sammy a highlight of this production of The Rat Pack Lounge.
What’s most interesting about Javier Alfonso Castellanos is how humanized someone who could easily be seen as dislikeable by today’s standards. Even though he was a drinking philanderer, Dean Martin still made people weak at the knees through his calm demeanor and laissez-faire attitude. I’ve never seen an actor become someone so easily recognizable with such ease or so completely. I hate repeating myself, but Castellanos made Martin seem undeniably cool. I’m not even a big drinker, and I wanted to share a glass with this character, which is an absolute testament to the incredible work that Castellanos brought to the show.
And of course, there’s Frank Sinatra, the epitome of one cool dude. When Corbin Payne lifted the hat and placed it on his head, I knew we were in for an exceptional performance. Payne was Sinatra in every way, which harkened me back to my childhood, where I listened to him repeatedly with my grandma. Payne understands Sinatra deeply, both the good parts and the bad. His performance is laced with nuance, making Frank as human as humanly possible.
However, this show would be nothing without the other two in the cast. Jackey Good gave a fantastic performance as Katherine Kerr/Angie. Good transitions from one character to another are later than the rest, meaning the stark difference between the two is more apparent. The way she moves into Angie with such a distinct personality is nothing short of theater magic, showing her range in moments.
Out of all five actors, Eric Coles was my favorite. There are so many layers to Vic, a man who begins the show down on his luck without a way out. He’s giving up on everything, including himself. While all the characters have a significant transition, Vic makes the most change. Throughout the show, he finds himself in ways he didn’t even know were possible, showcasing Coles’ acting and singing abilities. Is there an award for being endearing? If so, Coles deserves that in spades for this performance.
The Rat Pack Lounge promises good fun for all who attend
Meadow Brook Theatre brings another hit to its Rochester Hills theater, as The Rat Pack Lounge excites audiences of all ages. It honors these music legends perfectly, with songs everyone will know and a story that will touch your heart. If you’re looking for a good time with family and friends, look no further than The Rat Pack Lounge!
The Rat Pack Lounge runs at Meadow Brook Theater until May 18, so get your tickets now! Have you seen The Rat Pack Lounge before? Plan on checking out this production? Let us know on social media @boxseatbabes!
Exclusive Interview: James Hindman and Ray Roderick of The Rat Pack Lounge
