Written By John Weatherford
If you’re lucky, once in a lifetime, you’ll be present to experience the making of a legend. Last night was that experience for me. The Cat Pack made their debut at The Iridium in association with PCat Productions and Scobar Entertainment. Sonny Von Murray, Jim Cargill and Anthony Apicella are The Cat Pack.
These three young men could pack their bags and become headliners at any club in Vegas – any club having the foresight to see their magic. The publicity packet given to the reviewers invites the audience to “come join Sonny Black, Jimmy and Tony as they celebrate the era of martinis, tuxedos and the American standard.” This description barely scratches the surface of what these fellows bring to their show. This is not an act of impersonations of the Rat Pack or any group trying to capitalize on a genre of another time. This is today. These guys are in the now. It is pure joy to watch them fill the room with humor and antics as they go larking about the stage and mingling within the packed club. The vocal exploits of these thrilling talents are only matched by those singers who have made the American standards, well, standards. Their playfulness would almost make them appear to be sophisticated clowns if they weren’t so darn handsome and musically delicious.
Scott Barbarino knows talent when he sees it. He could well become the “Sun Records” of the future for fresh new artists. Artists who deserve to take that giant leap from debut to big time. I, for one, expect this to happen for The Cat Pack.
They electrified such superb standards as “Once in a Lifetime,” “I’m Gonna Live Till I Die,” “Some of These Days,” “Hey There” and many, many others. It is impossible to pick out any particular number as a highlight; they are all highlights. I can’t wait to see them again and, I predict, this pack of lively lighthearted lads are going to become a full pack for millions of entertainment-starved music lovers to enjoy.
Mr. Barbarino has carefully backed these dynamos with a seven- piece orchestra led by Don Rebic on piano, Jon Burr on bass, Rex Benincasa on drums, Warren Vache’ on trumpet, Nathan Childers on tenor sax and Nate Mayland on trombone. The music was adapted and arranged by Bud Burridge. The show was skillfully directed by Eric Robinson.
For further information see: www.the iridium.com, located on Broadway at 51st.
*Photos: Russ Weatherford
Posted by Sandi Durell
on August 24, 2012. Filed under Cabaret,Cabaret and Interviews - Sandi Durell,COLUMNS,ENTERTAIMENT.
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