David & Ed Mirvish and Paul Walden and Derek Nicol for Flying Music, in association with Paul Woolf, present the show, which (with another cast) is still running in London's West End. Performances began in Toronto Oct. 5 and continue to Nov. 14.
The Rat Pack "celebrates the talents of Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin in a unique night of entertainment," according to production notes. "For six weeks the Toronto's Canon Theatre will be transformed into The Sands Hotel in 1960 when Frank, Sammy and Dean gave their famous impromptu concerts. When the ultra-cool threesome were not on set filming 'Ocean's Eleven,' they spent their evenings performing at The Sands in what would become 'The Summit.' It was during these performances that the Rat Pack legend was born."
Stephen Triffitt stars as Sinatra, Rashad Naylor as Sammy Davis Jr., and Mark Adams as Dean Martin. The supporting cast includes Monique Lund (Berelli Sister), Christine Sahely (Berelli Sister), Andrea Wingelaar (Barelli Sister), Adam James (understudy Frank Sinatra), George St. Kitts (understudy Sammy Davis Jr.), Brad Spencer (understudy Dean Martin) and Cathy Current (swing Barelli Sister). The Rat Pack features a 15-piece orchestra.
The entertainment was created, written, directed and choreographed by Mitch Sebastian. Creative vocal and music supervision is by Matthew Freeman. Designers are Sean Cavanagh (set), Chris Woods (costume), Mark Wheatley (lighting) and Wayne Barker (sound). Music direction is by conductor-pianist David W. Thompson. Assistant musical director is Bruce Harvey.
Director-choreographer Sebastian made his directorial debut with The Rat Pack (Olivier Award nomination, Best Entertainment). Previous choreographic credits include La Cava (world premiere), Playhouse Creatures (Peter Hall Company), Romance Romance. Off-West-End he collaborated with composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz, to create a radical re-working of the Broadway hit, Pippin. Other credits include Lucky Stiff, Merrily We Roll Along, Eyam, Tales My Lover Told Me, Hell Can Be Heaven and a serial of musicals based on the adventures of Dick Barton. Tickets range $26-$75 (Canadian). The Canon Theatre is at 244 Victoria Street. For information, call (416) 872-1212 or (800) 461-3333 or visit www.mirvish.com.
