The Rat Pack Lounge. -FLORIDA REP / COURTESY PHOTO
Divine magic was in the air on opening night of “The Rat Pack Lounge” at Florida Repertory Theatre in downtown Fort Myers. As I crossed the parking lot, I took in the twinkling lights of Art Walk strung above the streets and the tune of an upbeat song mingled with the smells of sizzling street food.
That backdrop set the tone for a musical theater gem that pays homage to the legendary Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr. Even the audience exuded an urban, eclectic energy that mirrored the pulse of the street outside — swanky suits and the latest fashion trends you’d expect to see in a large city.
Few musicians conveyed the chemistry and camaraderie of the Rat Pack. Audiences of all ages are sure to be familiar with their music and intrigued by their suave and savvy performance styles. The cast of “The Rat Pack Lounge” (written by James Hindman and Ray Roderick with musical arrangements by John Glaudini) entertains and mesmerizes in their portrayals of the iconic crooners.
Florida Rep’s Rat Pack Lounge brings groovy old-school vibes to attendees of the show. -FLORIDA REP / COURTESY PHOTO
The ArtStage Studio Theatre, a black-box space surrounded by the audience on three sides, is transformed into a wood-paneled lounge with a full bar that brings patrons directly into the action. The walls are decorated with photos of musical and Hollywood stars of the 1950s, old records, a fading “Happy New Year” banner, and a neon sign upstage right proclaimed the establishment to be “The Rat Pack Lounge.” The band, providing elegant accompaniment throughout the show, sits behind frosted-glass windows lining the upstage area.
As the lights dim at the start of the show, notes from a Latin choral chant fill the room. The voice of God booms through the darkness, “Wake Up,” as a light simultaneously illuminates a wall photo of Sinatra, Martin and Davis.
The premise is simple, if fantastical: the Rat Pack is sent from Heaven back to Earth to rescue depressed bar owner, Vic Candelino, who is portrayed by actor Marc Winski, from offing himself, and in the process, the dynamic trio decides to train him to be a great singer. That proves to be easier said than done after they witness a terribly off-key demonstration of his musical talent.
Before we are introduced to the iconic trio, Vic enters with a gun in a bag and a drunken patron — who we soon learn is wealthy businessman William Saunders, portrayed by Michael Liebhauser — snoozes at the bar.
His assistant, Katherine Kerr, played by Samantha Stevens, and driver, Jeorge Rodrigues, played by Alex Gossard, rush through the door, lamenting that all flights out of town have been cancelled due to weather. Katherine attempts to rouse Mr. Saunders, with little success and exits, presumably to attempt to salvage their travel plans. Waiter Bobby Goldberg, played by Cole J. Campbell, sets candles at each lounge table as the jukebox queues a selection of Sinatra tunes. Suddenly, poor, beleaguered Vic is electrocuted.
Time stops.
The music begins again, and the three legendary crooners are sent abruptly into the bodies of the bar patrons — Saunders magically becomes Sinatra, Jeorge transforms into Dean and Bobby emerges as Davis.
And then the real show begins — one of the most compelling aspects of the production is watching the actors masterfully embody the essence of each member of the Rat Pack and relish their borrowed corporeal experiences.
Sammy and Dean launch into a rendition of “I’m Gonna Live ‘Til I Die,” and the duet turns into a trio when Ol’ Blue Eyes “wakes” up in the body of Mr. Saunders. There are loads of comedic moments — a clap of thunder erupts when characters try to light cigarettes or take a sip of alcohol, much to the famously inebriated Martin’s chagrin, and the well-known rapport between the men is evident in the slightly (and not-so-slightly) sexist quips that mark their golden era and some fabulous one-liners that bring bursts of laughter from the audience.
The cast of The Rat Pack Lounge. -FLORIDA REP / COURTESY PHOTO
When Vic awakes, the trio has to convince him of their identities, and then they get down to the business of passing on their knowledge to the musically challenged Vic. Davis teaches him rhythm—namely, how to snap on the downbeat- and Dean plants a cigarette in Vic’s mouth and gives him a lesson on smooth delivery and diction with his signature sardonic wit.
Frank tells him, “It’s all about the lyrics and phrasing. Make them think you’re saying it for the first time.” When they help Vic put all their lessons together, it’s uproariously funny, but Vic isn’t won over easily, and The Almighty sends some help in the form of Angie, a guardian angel, who takes over Katherine’s body. Angie is a delightful minx who channels Marilyn Monroe as she whisper-flirts her way through the song, “Too Close for Comfort.”
During intermission, the crowd mingles, and drinks are served from the working bar onstage. Friendly conversations and enthusiastic greetings among patrons fill the room as the audience lends their energy to the space. I am reminded of why Florida Repertory Theatre has gathered such a devout following and stellar reputation — the welcoming atmosphere is as compelling as the top-notch performances.
The show sings and dances its way to a satisfying conclusion, and there are plenty of musical favorites along the way, including “My Way,” “Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime,” “What Kind of Fool am I?” “Fly Me to the Moon,” and many others.
The finale takes the form of an intimate concert, while the audience becomes witness to an intimate musical revue just like the nightclub acts the Rat Pack made famous. Campbell, Gossard and Liebhauser have beautiful voices and manage to capture the showmanship and ease of Davis, Dean and Sinatra in a way that is self-aware but understated.
Stevens sizzles and sparkles as Angie, and Winski shows off impressive vocal chops as he turns Vic into a talented crooner. Their performances are tight yet easygoing, and their chemistry comes across as real enough to make me wonder if they’re having too much fun onstage. I also have to give a shout-out to the production crew on this show — the musicians were flawless, the set was impeccable down to the last detail, and the lighting crew delivered complex cues seamlessly.
“The Rat Pack Lounge” delivers in a big way — even the Chairman of the Board would be impressed.
Bringing Their Essence to Life
For Michael Liebhauser, who portrays William Saunders and Frank Sinatra, “The Rat Pack Lounge” offers a welcome challenge.
“Almost immediately in the play, Billy’s body is taken over by the ghost of Frank Sinatra. That’s where the fun begins. We’re not concerned with perfect impersonations. It’s about capturing the essence of these icons — how they moved, how they teased each other, that magical chemistry when they shared a stage,” said Liebhauser.
Recreating Sinatra’s charisma has been both demanding and exhilarating.
“Frank was so in command of every room. There’s a confidence that comes from the inside. It’s not just about standing a certain way or holding a cigarette. It’s a feeling that radiates. That’s the challenge — to find that balance of swagger and soul. You get three people crowding up to one microphone, a live band behind you, and that energy becomes something greater than the sum of its parts,” he described.
Samantha Stevens, the show’s sole female performer, brings seduction and strength to her roles as Katherine Kerr and the celestial Angie.
“Angie’s a guardian angel in disguise. She’s sassy, flirty and here to help the Rat Pack redeem themselves. I get to be both the grounded secretary and the empowered angel who has fun stirring things up,” said Stevens.
Stevens described how joining the cast of “The Rat Pack Lounge” felt serendipitous. “I wasn’t even planning to audition — I was coaching someone else that day, but I walked in, sang, and by the end of the week, I had the job,” she laughed.
For Stevens, the underlying message of empowerment in the show is as provocative as the music. “We have so much power in our femininity. If we take ownership of that, men listen and respect it. You can be in a room full of men and still be the boss,” she said.
Marc Winski, who plays Vic Candelino, describes “The Rat Pack Lounge” as a balance between celebration and connection. Originally from Indiana and now based in New York, Winski is not only an actor but also a disability advocate who uses his performances and social media to champion authenticity. As a person who stutters, he has turned what some might see as a limitation into a source of strength.
“For the longest time, I was told, ‘You have to be a fluent speaker to be an actor,’” Winski said. “Now, I walk into every room as myself. If I’m playing a character, and he stutters, then that’s just part of his authenticity.”
Winski finds a special connection between his own journey and his character’s. “Vic has always lived in the shadow of Frank and his dad’s dreams for him. He’s been told to be like someone else his whole life. And now he has to learn — like I did — that he’ll never be them, and that’s okay,” Winski said. “He’s got his own light to shine. We’re not doing impersonations — we’re bringing their essence, their joy and charisma to life. I hope audiences leave remembering to be themselves — to bring what they bring to the table and be authentically you in all situations.”
Florida Repertory Theatre / COURTESY PHOTO
IN THE KNOW:
WHAT: “The Rat Pack Lounge.”
WHEN: Sept. 30 to Nov. 6, 2025 7 p.m. evening performances, 2 p.m. matinees (on selected Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.)
WHERE: Florida Repertory Theatre, ArtStage Studio Theatre, 2268 Bay Street, Fort Myers.
MORE INFO: FloridaRep.org
Box Office: (239) 332-4488
Tickets start at $73 for regular performances