It's not until you indulge in "Sandy Hackett's Rat Pack Show" that you begin to realize why Sandy Hackett's own personal connection to these iconic legends – his father, Buddy Hackett – has allowed him to tell this story unlike any other producer or performer.
Squan Tavern, celebrating its 50th Anniversary, sponsors the five performance run. There will be three 8 p.m. performances: Thursday, May 1; Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3. Two matinees will be held Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4 at 2 p.m.
Regular seating is $34 for adults, $31 for seniors and $22 for students. A limited quantity of premium seating is available for $7 more. Purchase online at algonquinarts.org, by calling 732-528-9211 or by stopping in to the Box Office at 173 Main Street from 12-6 p.m. on weekdays or 12-4 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are subject to $2 processing fees.
Chosen personally by Joey Bishop to play the role of Joey Bishop, only Sandy Hackett can bring to life that magical moment in time. "Honestly, I wish I had been that good!" Bishop says.
Sandy, along with his wife and producing partner, Lisa Dawn Miller, have created a truly authentic, avant garde theatrical production based on the musical and comedic legacy of the Rat Pack, capturing the relationship, respect, love and timeless laughter of that once-in-a-lifetime moment.
"Sandy Hackett's Rat Pack Show' is different for two reasons," raved the Yakima (Wash.) Herald. "First: It is not just a revue; it's a musical with a narrative. Second: Its star actually grew up around Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and Joey Bishop."
Hackett Miller, armed with their passion and the most extraordinary musical and creative team plus the comedic genius synonymous with the name Hackett, "Sandy Hackett's Rat Pack Show" is the most successful live theatrical production of its kind, touring throughout the U.S. in hundreds of performing arts theatres to critical acclaim.
The San Francisco Examiner writes: "The interpretations by the actors capture the stage essences of the Rat Pack members in a way that is eerily supernatural."
The show opens with an introduction by Buddy Hackett, recorded prior to his death. The family affair doesn't end with the Hacketts, as producer Lisa Dawn Miller stars as Frank Sinatra's One Love – based on Ava Gardner. In addition to exciting arrangements of classic songs including "Luck Be A Lady," "Mack the Knife" and "New York, New York," the show's more than 20 songs include original, never-before-heard songs written by the late, legendary songwriter, Ron Miller ("For Once In My Life").
With its incomparable cast, Sandy Hackett's Rat Pack Show features performances by Hackett (Joey Bishop), a powerhouse veteran writer, producer, film & TV actor; his wife, singer/songwriter/producer/director Miller (Frank's One Love); Danny Grewen (Frank Sinatra); Louie Velez (Sammy Davis, Jr.); and Tom Wallek (Dean Martin).
The extraordinary musical/creative team is led by Maestro/Arranger Christopher Hardin and Music Director Theodis Rodgers, Director Billy Karl and Art Director Jeanne Quinn.
Algonquin Arts Theatre (AAT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1992 with the mission to provide cultural enhancement and arts education to all audiences at the Jersey Shore through high-quality performances and programs in theatre, music, film and dance. The end goal is to foster appreciation of the arts and promote lifelong learning, particularly among underserved audiences including the economically disadvantaged, senior citizens and individuals with disabilities.
Algonquin Arts Theatre's programs are made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts / Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts; by funds from the Paul F. Zito, M.D. Educational Foundation, by Simon Kaufman, Esq. & Maria Zito-Kaufman and the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation.
