In 1960, an unlikely group of entertainers went to Las Vegas to shoot the film Ocean’s 11 and do two nightclub shows each evening while the film was in production. Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., Dean Martin and Joey Bishop were first billed as “The Summit” at the Copa Room in the Sands Hotel and Casino on the famed Las Vegas Strip. The act, which was unscripted and casual in the beginning, started as a lark, but took off like a rocket leading to many more gigs at the famed hotel and around the country. Thousands of people flocked to catch the act. Frank, Dean and Sammy carried the bulk of the show, singing, telling jokes, doing impressions and cutting up. As time went on, only one of them would headline the show, however, at least one of the other members of the group would appear without notice, adding to its popularity. Their power and clout was exceptional, even for movie stars. Their all night parties became part of the legend. This group, of course, was “The Rat Pack.”

The iconic term Rat Pack was, according to legend, coined by Humphrey Bogart’s wife, Lauren Bacall. When “Bogie,” Frank Sinatra and a few of their cronies came staggering in after a night of partying and carousing, Lauren exclaimed, "You look like a goddamned rat pack!" The name stuck. After Bogie’s death, the group consisted of Frank Sinatra as the unofficial leader along with Dean, Sammy and Joey plus on occasion, Peter Lawford (John F. Kennedy’s brother-in-law) and Shirley MacLaine as an honorary mascot and “Girl Friday.”

The Rat Pack was an unusual group for the volatile and racially divided 1960's America: Joey was Jewish, Sammy was both Jewish and African American, Frank and Dean were Italian, and Peter Lawford a “feckless Hollywoodized Brit”- - three of them second-generation immigrants, four raised during the Depression in urban neighborhoods. They boasted they were a new generation laying claim to American tradition and were determined to re-define “American Cool” - successful, self-assured, casual, occasionally vulgar; they were sign and symptom of the times. On the surface, The Rat Pack was a typical entertainment lounge act, but they were really a symbol of where American culture was headed - to a more tolerant and culturally integrated society where class and racial division were replaced by acceptance.

The Rat Pack gained additional national prominence for their support of John F. Kennedy's presidential campaign. They did a lot of publicity and were seen in many photos with the aspiring young politician. Frank Sinatra recorded a new version of "High Hopes" that became Kennedy's campaign song. The future President was occasionally spotted at the Copa, enjoying the spectacle of his new celebrity friends. At the opening of the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles, Frank, Sammy, Peter, and Shirley MacLaine sang "The Star-Spangled Banner," bonding political elections, entertainment and celebrity for the first time - a trend that continues to this day.

Over time the popularity of the “Rat Pack” waned. In the late 1980s, Frank, Dean, and Sammy tried to rekindle the magic with a much-hyped tour, but it wasn't the same. The years of fun-loving and high living were behind them. They continued to entertain audiences individually until their heath failed. In 2007, Joey Bishop was the last of the members to pass away.

Today, thanks to the award-winning tribute show, The Rat Pack is Back, audiences can once again experience all the swing, swagger and the very essence of cool that the original Rat Pack inspired. The popular show is still running in Las Vegas and has been traveling the globe, performing more than 5,000 shows in more than 40 states and three foreign countries over the past decade. In addition, this smash show and its cast were featured in the hit movie "Get Him to the Greek" starring Russell Brand and Jonah Hill. The Rat Pack is Back has been critically acclaimed and won numerous awards, including one from the Congress of the United States, but most importantly it immortalizes the original crew of cool for audiences who were fans in the day and for those who wish to experience it for the first time.

BRIAN DUPREY (Frank Sinatra) You’ve probably seen Brian Duprey on FOX TV‘s ‘Performing As.’ Brian won $20,000 portraying his idol, Frank Sinatra. Talent judge Damon Elliott (music producer ofMya, Beyoncé, and Jessica Simpson) was blown away the first time he saw Brian perform. It was like he was watching ‘Young Blue Eyes’ perform. Television viewers agreed and thousands flocked to FOX’s website to compliment his uncanny likeness to Sinatra’s own singing voice. Singing since the age of 6 and becoming captivated with Sinatra’s voice by age 13, Brian has always felt connected to the golden era of music. From his singing days in high school variety shows to doing stand-up comedy, it took Brian until he was an undergraduate at Fairfield University to really discover his passion for jazz and swing music. Today, Brian stands alone as the number one Frank Sinatra performer in the world. His singing and acting talents in Las Vegas and Performing Arts Theaters across the country sets the ‘The Rat Pack Is Back’ apart from the competition.

DREW ANTHONY (Dean Martin) Since he received his B.F.A. from the Mannes College of Music Jazz Division in New York City, he has established himself as one of the finest jazz singers in the Tri-State area. He has produced shows that have been successful on many stages ranging from the Shubert Theater, the Intermezzo Night Club in the Foxwoods Resort & Casino and the OpSail CT Tall Ship Event. He has recorded three CDs live, the first of which is entitled “You don’t know me”, which includes blues pianist Junior Mance on the title song. He has the first CD of his continuing series “On The Road” completed which has been seen on local television stations throughout the state of Connecticut. His musical show “The American Standards” was a hit at the famed Danny’s Skylight Room Cabaret in N.Y.C. He has concertized at the Jazz Spot in New York City, Yale University’s Sprague Memorial Hall and the famous Shubert Theater. Drew Anthony’s vocal quality and sense of rhythm have been recognized by many big bands in the state of CT, he has made special appearances with the Pat Dorn Orchestra in the Wolf Den at the Mohegan Sun Casino and many outdoor concerts with the Sounds of Swing Jazz Orchestra. Drew Anthony enjoyed singing with the big bands so much he created his own big band known as the “Drew Anthony Orchestra.” The Drew Anthony Orchestra made it’s debut in the concert entitled “Come Fly With Me.” Drew Anthony’s vocal delivery combined with his swinging orchestra, made it difficult for the audience to decide between watching, listening or dancing. He has studied jazz voice with internationally known jazz recording artists Sheila Jordan, Jackie Paris, and classically with Munich’s Bavarian State Opera tenor, John Kuhn. of The Rat Pack is Back.

KYLE DIAMOND (Sammy Davis Jr.) Kyle comes from a musical family. His father was a pianist who fronted his own band, his grandfather a guitarist, and his brother, Kenny Davis, is a very talented and respected musician who has played with some of the greats from the Motown era and toured with the Ellington band. As a teenager, Kyle co-founded what would become a very popular Cleveland area band, The Pacesetters and later another group, Phantasy, which performed in nightclubs around the country. Most recently Kyle has found a home performing in the casinos of Las Vegas while continuing his love of songwriting. He is thrilled to join the company of The Rat Pack is Back.

MICKEY JOSEPH (Joey Bishop) To put himself through school, Mickey worked at an Italian restaurant, where his tableside antics, celebrity impressions, and roll juggling caught the eye of his boss, who suggested he seek a career in show business (or any business other than his restaurant.) Mickey heeded his advice and attended his first acting class in 1981 at Canada College in Redwood City California. After six semesters of intense scene work under the direction of Robert Curtis, he was accepted at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Pasadena California in 1983. Mickey entered the world of stand up comedy, moving to Hollywood where he joined an improv group MICE and began writing and performing his own act. He left Los Angeles and headed north to be close to his family. His career as a stand-up comedian has flourished in the San Francisco Bay Area for twenty five years. He works the hottest comedy clubs on the west coast and Las Vegas. He has honed his craft through decades of one-nighters and club weeks. Television appearances on NBC's Friday Night Videos, ABC's America's Funniest Videos, and FOX's Comedy Day Celebration. Mickey is a finalist in the San Francisco International Comedy Competition 1998, and has hosted this prestigious annual event seven times. He is author of “What Would Don Corleone Do?” a humorous and touching book about his experiences in stand-up comedy and surviving as a single parent. He is well known for obscure celebrity impressions; Johnny Cochran defending the Unibomber, Sargent Bilko on Acid, and Ricky Ricardo singing a pornographic version of Cuban Pete. All three recorded live on the nationally syndicated Bob and Tom Radio Program. He has performed with Ellen Degeneres, Drew Carey, Craig Ferguson, George Lopez, Bill Engvall, Richard Lewis, Kevin Polakc, The Amazing Jonathan, Vinnie Favorito, Zack Galafanakis, Wille Nelson, Huey Lewis, Michael Buble, Mort Sahl, Dick Gregory and Robin Williams. Mickey's well tailored, hysterically funny comedy act is what attracted The Rat Pack is Back producer Dick Feeney.

DICK FEENEY (Producer) Dick Feeney, producer of “The Rat Pack is Back,” is no stranger to the Vegas action. Known by some as a “marketing producer,” if there’s one thing Feeney knows it’s how to sell a show in the Las Vegas, the “Entertainment Capital of the World.” Dick Feeney grew up in the Boston area, in Rockland, Massachusetts. After years of touring with the highly popular Boston based band the “Lewis & Clark Expedition” Feeney formed his own group “Gemini” and continued developing the talent and skills to make him one of the countries top nightclub entertainers. Producing his first critically acclaimed show in 1981 “Lullaby of Swing” in Honolulu, Hawaii, he then toured the production for successful runs in both Atlantic City at the Tropicana and Boston at the Bradford Theatre. Feeney first came to Las Vegas in 1985 as Associate Producer of “An Evening at La Cage” at the Riviera Hotel & Casinoand in 1987 Produced “Crazy Girls." In 1991 Feeney opened “Viva Las Vegas” at the Sands Hotel & Casino. Viva Las Vegas’ run of over 18 years makes it the longest running and most successful afternoon show in Las Vegas history. Since his producing debut, Feeney has gone on to produce numerous other shows worldwide from Japan to Monte Carlo, including “Viva Las Vegas,” “Showgirls,” “The Great Gleason,” “Bottoms Up,” “Forbidden Vegas,” and “Playboy Girls Hit Parade.” His television productions include “The Entertainment Page,” “Las Vegas Tonite” and “Karaoke Krazy.” Feeney even tapped into the success of family-friendly Vegas acts, producing “The World’s Greatest Magic Show” that opened in October of 2003 and — of course — “The “Rat Pack is Back.” An avid traveler himself, Feeney’s even taken his productions to the sky, as owner of The Flying Elvi skydiving team. The Flying Elvi, who were first featured in the movie “Honeymoon in Vegas,” consists of ten Elvis Presley clad jumpers who skydive into events around the world from altitudes of 5,000 - 12,000 feet, freefalling at speeds up to 160 miles an hour. The act combines a spine-tingling aerial skydiving performance of smoke trails, pyrotechnic fireworks and precision maneuvers with an over-the-top entertaining stage show and has entertained audiences across the country for over a decade. With shows currently running in Las Vegas plus touring productions, the Flying Elvi darting about the heavens, a home in Las Vegas, Hawaii and Utah, a wife Melissa and four children including a three year old, Feeney may seem busy but loves it all. In October of 2008 Feeney was awarded a star on the prestigious “Las Vegas Walk of Stars” for his outstanding contributions to the Las Vegas community. The star is permanently on display in the sidewalk in front of the New York, New York Hotel and Casino. In May of 2009 he was unanimously selected for induction into the Rockland High School Academic Hall of Fame.

LON BRONSON (Musical Director) For over 20 years, Lon Bronson has been one of the most highly sought after musicians in the country, functioning as musical director, conductor, arranger, producer and technical director for National TV, Headline performers, Production Shows, and for large scale corporate events/award presentations. Lon’s primary vehicle for bringing high energy, world-class music to Las Vegas on a weekly basis is the Lon Bronson Band. Formed in 1990, the band is enjoying an unprecedented run. Over 17 successful years, two as headliners in the Golden Nugget Showroom, the band has received tremendous notoriety for an outstanding level of musicianship. The Lon Bronson Band holds the record for the longest running band in Las Vegas history.

GEOF DOLAN (Technical Director) is in his 7th season as the Playhouse's Technical Director and his 2nd as the overall Scenic Coordinator. Immediately prior to Ogunquit he served as Technical Director for Worcester Foothills Theatre. He has done supplemental design work for several shows and is also the technical supervisor for the Children's Theatre program. Geof began his technical career working backstage for both of his parents who are theatre directors and began his professional career at Sierra repertory Theatre in California. For 5 years he split his seasons between Maine and Florida, working the same technical areas for the Orlando Shakespeare, but now he fills his off-season drafting, engineering and developing tour trollies for Molly Corp. With his wife Cheryl, (Scenic Charge artist for the Playhouse) he has designed award winning parade floats. His "born-in-a trunk" 12 yr. old daughter Ashlynn is an aspiring actress, musician and artist who hopes to make her Main Stage debut in the near future!

RICH LATTA (Lighting Designer) has called Ogunquit his summer home for many years and is just as excited about the upcoming season as the ones' before. Favorite designs include: 9 to 5, Miss Saigon, Legally Blonde, Summer of Love, Evita (twice) Les Miserables, Songs For a New World, Cabaret, Fiddler on the Roof, South Pacific, Aida, Chicago, Annie, and Spamalot. In addition, Richard has designed Off-Broadway, Dance, Opera, and other events since the 1980s. His visual research can be seen in the projections for the Broadway productions of Thurgood (starring James Earl Jones/Lawrence Fishburne), The People In The Picture, The Mark Taper Forum production of Distracted, the operas Moby Dick (Sydney, Dallas, SF Operas) and Mazeppa (Met Opera). Richard is a teaching artist with American Ballet Theater, and is a Technical and Design consultant for Arts High School in Newark, NJ. He is based in NY/NJ during the times he is not at the Playhouse.

RYAN NEELY (Production Manager) is thrilled to join the team at the Ogunquit Playhouse. Previously Ryan was the Producing Director at THEATREWORKS in Colorado Springs, Adjunct Professor of Stage Management at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs and the Assistant Production Manager at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. Ryan has also worked as Stage Manager for many theaters across the country including the Disneyland Resort. Ryan received a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of California Irvine. Ryan would like to thank his wife for all her love and support.

JEREMY OLEKSA (Sound Designer) is extremely excited to return to the Ogunquit Playhouse for his 5th season. His show credits include: Man of La Mancha, Damn Yankees, Spamalot, Sunset Boulevard, Chicago, Sound of Music, Music Man, Miss Saigon, Buddy, South Pacific, and 9 to 5. On his most recent production, he was the Engineer on the National Tour of Spamalot. Jeremy would like to thank all his friends and family for their continued support, especially his wife Becky Oleksa.

Ogunquit Playhouse Season Opens May 22nd with The Rat Pack is Back

For Immediate Release:

May 9, 2013

Ogunquit, Maine–Straight from Las Vegas comes the award winning tribute show, The Rat Pack is Back, live on The Ogunquit Playhouse stage May 22 to June 8. The dynamic show has all the swing and swagger of the original Rat Pack, and recreates the days when this cool lounge act was the hottest show on the Las Vegas strip. Audiences will be transported to the Sands Hotel’s famed Copa Room, brought to life with a talented cast that honors the legendary Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., Dean Martin and Joey Bishop. Combining side-splitting comedy with pitch-perfect music, and a twelve-piece swing orchestra on stage, the show highlights classic songs like "Fly Me To The Moon," "New York, New York" and "That's Amore," as only Frank, Sammy and Dean can perform them.

Appearing as Frank Sinatra is Brian Duprey, who got his start on FOX TV‘s “Performing As,” where he won the top prize by portraying his idol, Frank Sinatra. Since then he has appeared in Las Vegas and performing arts theaters across the U.S. and is considered to be the number one Frank Sinatra performer in the world. Dean Martin is portrayed by Drew Anthony who has established himself as one of the finest jazz singers in the New York area. He has performed hit musical shows at famed venues including Danny’s Skylight Room Cabaret and Jazz Spot in New York City, Yale University’s Sprague Memorial Hall, and the famous Shubert Theater. Kyle Diamond joins the cast as Sammy Davis Jr. Mr. Diamond has performed in bands throughout the U.S. and is a regular performer at numerous Las Vegas casinos. Rounding out the “Pack” is Mickey Joseph who plays Joey Bishop. Mr. Joseph is a stand-up comedian who has worked in the hottest comedy clubs on the west coast and in Las Vegas, and has performed with many comedians on the circuit, including Ellen Degeneres, Drew Carey, Richard Lewis and Robin Williams.

The Rat Pack is Back is directed by Robbie Howard. Mr. Howard hails from L.A. and has enjoyed a long career in theater and television. He has also worked as writer and director for many corporate clients, as well as for television shows such as, “General Hospital,” “Growing Pains,” and “Perfect Strangers,” and the prestigious comedy night club Crackers in California.

Lon Bronson will lead the “Pack” as the Musical Director. Mr. Bronson is a musical director, conductor, arranger, producer and technical director for national television, headline performers, production shows and for large scale corporate events and award presentations. He has brought his high-energy, world-class music to Las Vegas on a weekly basis since 1990, holding the record for the longest running band in Las Vegas history. Mr. Bronson has been nominated for an Emmy Award for Musical Direction for the TBS production of “Earth to America,” which starred Tom Hanks, Faith Hill, Dustin Hoffman and Bill Maher. As a musical director he has worked with a vast array of stars including Drew Carey, Faith Hill, David Cassidy and Wayne Newton.

Mark your calendars now and be sure to see every electrifying show this year! Individual and season tickets are on sale now. Subscribe today to guarantee the best seats for the lowest price. Season ticket prices start at only $175 for a 5-show package or $99 for a 3-show package. Individual ticket prices range from $39-$78 per show. To learn more about becoming a member, or to purchase tickets and gift certificates, visit www.ogunquitplayhouse.org or call the Box Office at 207-646-5511.

The season continues when Sally Struthers returns to the Ogunquit Playhouse in the Tony Award winning Best Musical Thoroughly Modern Millie, on stage June 12 to July 6. The hilarious Mel Brooks’ Musical Young Frankenstein hits the stage July 10 to July 27. This musical comedy is a wickedly inspired re-imagining of the Frankenstein legend based on Mel Brooks' film masterpiece. The Playhouse is going Technicolor® with Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s irresistible family musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat from July 31 to August 24. Ballroom with a Twist is back by popular demand for one week only, August 27 to August 31. West Side Story, on stage from September 4 September 28, soars as the greatest love story of all time and remains as powerful and timely as ever. Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story, the most popular musical in Ogunquit Playhouse history, returns by popular demand to close the season from October 2 to October 13!