Review – The Rat Pack Revue

Bob Johnson sure knows how to put on a show. He’s a trombonist who has been called on to play in bands for the likes of Minnelli, Sammy Davis Jr. and Sinatra. In this tribute show, he pulls out the stops, conducting and playing in what’s a tight, professional jazz outfit.

In a big high-ceilinged room I watched The Rat Pack Revue play to a silver-haired audience and considered quite dutifully how much younger people would get out of this show. I learnt about the rich history behind the music and personas and a true highlight was when Bob Johnson took the stage and talked about the great influence that The Rat Pack had on the end of racial segregation in the Las Vegas and widely throughout the U.S. Seemingly channeling Davis Jr., his performance of ‘Mr. Bojangles’ left me with shivers and for a little while I was transported by his adoption of the characters in the song.

A true highlight was when Bobby F came to the stage, playing Frank Sinatra. I immediately thought – if I saw this guy in the street, I wouldn’t think much of him at all. A silver-haired, doddery pensioner. But then he took on this persona, imitating Sinatra and breathing life into the character with a voice like honey. He sounded beautiful and stayed true to the songs and I closed my eyes and believed I was sitting before Sinatra himself. It’s a shame the cost of this show is so high at $113 (including a 3 course meal), because it limits the accessibility of such a professional show – but if you can afford it, you too can get lost in the crooning classics of the 50s and 60s.