David Cassidy in the News
The Rat Pack Is Back
December 12, 2000
By Kate Maddox
The Las Vegas Sun
Even if he's on the outs with the cast of "The Rat Pack is Back," David Cassidy still has some business decisions to make regarding the future of the tribute show.
Cassidy, who last week tangled with Sammy Davis Jr. character Tony Tillman, must decide if and when he's going to pull the plug on the production. Cassidy produces the show with partner Don Reo.
Reps at the Sahara are hoping "The Rat Pack" doesn't leave town, and they've ponied up a new contract for the guys hoping that they'll stick around past the scheduled Feb. 18 closing date. The hotel is so certain about the Pack's bankability that they've offered an extended one-year contract.
"It's on the table," one source says. "We're just waiting to hear what they're going to do."
A rep for Cassidy, who departs "At the Copa" at the Rio next month, said that Cassidy probably wouldn't consider the offer until he returns from a two-week vacation, but adds that he has been happy with the Sahara and would like to stay.
As for Tillman, who was hurt by an offensive remark critical of his singing that Cassidy made from the audience during a recent performance, he's outta there.
The longest-running member of the "Rat Pack" team was said to have been furious with Cassidy and reportedly submitted his resignation, effective Dec. 31.
But if you want to get to the pesky back-and-forth on this thing: Cassidy insists Tillman can't resign because of contractual restrictions, and according to the rep, Cassidy fired him effective immediately. Whether Tillman's compatriots decide to join their Packmate has yet to be determined.
OK, but, um, wasn't it Cassidy who threw the first punch in this thing? "Sorry" seems to be the hardest word for that guy.
"The Rat Pack is Back" is on hiatus until Dec. 26.
