David Cassidy on the Web
New 'Dean' is a virtual one-man Rat Pack
March 5, 2000
By Kate Maddox
www.lasvegassun.com
In all fairness to the performer who will soon be starring as Dean Martin in "The Rat Pack is Back" at the Sahara, Rick Michel has done a lot more than merely understudy previous Dean, Steve Apple.
Michel, who describes himself as a comic/singer/impressionist, was actually the "Rat Pack" sub for Martin, Frank Sinatra and Joey Bishop. The former star of a multitude of local comedy and big band shows, Michel said it was prompting from "Rat Pack" co-producer David Cassidy that really helped him nail down the original job at the Desert Inn production of the show.
Michel was performing with the Gene White Orchestra at a function at the Bellagio as Frank Sinatra. The crowd, which included Cassidy, loved it and Cassidy yelled out for Michel to "do Dean!" Michel switched gears and started doing his Martin impression. Cassidy was impressed and although the show was already cast at that point, he wanted Michel to have a piece of the action.
During the course of the show's run at the Desert Inn, Michel subbed for Bobby Caldwell -- who played Sinatra -- about a dozen times and he also took over for Apple a few times. And when the show was in a pinch, Michel even filled in as Joey Bishop.
Needless to say, Michel feels like he could probably save the new production a couple of bucks in the understudy department.
