Phat Pack cabaret revue brings back fond memories

The Las Vegas production of "Phantom" is just a memory, but the talent pool it brought to town is a gift that keeps on giving to the Plaza and its retro showroom.

The Phat Pack is helmed by singers who were hiding in the "Phantom" chorus, now putting on a first-rate cabaret revue. It may be the best thing ever seen on the stage of the long-neglected venue, which even in its heyday was known for epics such as "Nudes on Ice" and "Natalie Needs a Nightie."

Right after the Phat Pack's media night, internal friction over box office operations and accounting caused three other Plaza titles - including a good one helmed by some fellow "Phantom" alumni - to take a break until a new staff takes over the showroom operation next month.

But the Phat Pack decided to keep going rather than lose momentum, which is good news for you and any visitors you might be hosting on this all-is-calm weekend.

So just what is a Phat Pack? They have a song about that, the opener, introducing themselves as "just three guys from the semilegitimate contemporary musical theater." They even explain (to a musical quote from "Three Coins in the Fountain") that they are "three guys who did 'Phantom,' which one will you like the best?"

The first song also jokingly sketches in their pre-"Phantom" claims to fame: Ted Keegan played the "Phantom" on tour and as understudy in Las Vegas. Randal Keith spent years on the road as Jean Valjean in "Les Miserables."

And Bruce Ewing was part of the long-running edition of "Forever Plaid" in two Las Vegas casinos. That may be the least auspicious credit of the three, but it's the one that holds the structural key to this show.

With Joey Singer rounding out the group at piano, both the three-part harmonies and general vibe will bring back fond memories for locals who miss "Plaid."

Locals also have a head start on the format, thanks to Clint Holmes and visiting stars of Cabaret Jazz at the nearby Smith Center for the Performing Arts helping define the cabaret genre: show tunes and standards tied together by some form of personal narrative from the performer.

Still, the Phat guys don't fit any other of Las Vegas' more defined show formats and might be hard for ticket vendors in the resort corridor to explain.

But they have a song about that too. The second one, about how they'd rather be "nine people's favorite thing than 100 people's ninth-favorite thing." As if they need any more bait for musical-theater nerds, they reference obscure musicals such as "The Rink" and "Tenderloin."

(The original songs were written or co-written by Keith Thompson, who organizes the monthly Composer's Showcase for working show people.)

But general audiences can rest easy. Family photos and personal histories unify the solo segments and give them a wide reach. And most of the songs are familiar. Keegan even sings "Danny Boy," and in a tasteful, low-key arrangement, if such a thing can be imagined.

Sure, there may be a few too many moments that remind you Broadway singers don't really do "small." Frank Sinatra's "nice and easy does it" theory seldom applies here. But that's easily offset by their ability to provide dramatic context, such as Keith's setup for the otherwise obscure "Is Anybody There?" from "1776."

It's no small thing to say Keith and Keegan manage to make you hear "Bring Him Home" and "The Music of the Night" with fresh ears. Their talents are aided by the cozy setting, the fact that you get to know them and that they don't take themselves seriously until it's time to.

It takes a strong guiding hand to blend those high-drama musical moments with Viagra jokes. Yeah, they have a song about that too.

Contact reporter Mike Weatherford at mweatherford@
reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0288.