‘Chairman’ stops Rat Pack fracas

A Frank Sinatra impersonator played peacemaker during a backstage "Rat Pack" brawl at the Sahara last week, after Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin impersonators took whacks at each other.

Numerous sources confirmed the dust-up happened Tuesday after the 7 p.m. performance of "Sandy Hackett's Rat Pack Show."

Words were exchanged and Sinatra impressionist David DeCosta was breaking up the scuffle between Sammy (Doug Starks) and Dean (Tony Basile) when someone tossed or shoved a chair into the mix.

But The Chairman called a truce and security was summoned. A board meeting has been scheduled for Monday.

"There was a fight," said a Sahara source. "It's not the first time there have been issues."

Starks was seen leaving before security arrived. The tussle was a mismatch, with Basile, who had Starks in a headlock, holding a 100-pound weight advantage, a spy said.

One of the sources said Basile is taking some time off.

Hackett, who plays Joey Bishop in the show, was not present. Hackett did not return a response by deadline.

THE SCENE AND HEARD

Film legend Tony Curtis, who turned 85 in June, is in St. Rose Dominican Hospital, it was learned late Saturday. ...

Steve Wynn was back on his yacht on the French Riviera last week with girlfriend Andrea Hissom. Among the yacht guests was Hollywood producer Jerry Weintraub, who put together the "Ocean's Eleven" sequels. There are rumblings that Wynn and Hissom have reached a pre­nup-like arrangement that doesn't necessarily involve marriage. ...

President Barack Obama apparently loves a beer mug with a local flavor. Obama's advance team took a fancy to the beer mugs at Munch Bar at Caesars Palace. A manager was asked if they could "borrow" four beer mugs for the president, who planned to have a beer with guests after his Las Vegas visit on Friday, a White House staffer told Munch Bar manager Shawn Olyaie. Other souvenirs taken were two "Munch Me" hats and two "Munch LV" hats. ...

Transplanted Spanish Star chef Julian Serrano will be showing his colors today. He'll be watching the Spain-Netherlands World Cup finale today in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, in a red jersey from his homeland. Pitchers of sangria are going for half price today at his same-named tapas restaurant at CityCenter.

SIGHTINGS

Shaquille O'Neal, discussing hot dog-eating strategy at Serendipity 3 at Caesars Palace on Saturday in preparation for his duel today with the world's No. 1 eater, Joey Chestnut, on ABC's "Shaq Vs." The episode is being taped near the iconic fountain. Shaq was telling friends at Pure on Friday night that he's a lightweight when it comes to competitive eating. ... Pamela Anderson, celebrating her 43rd birthday belatedly at Tao Beach (The Venetian). Her birthday was July 1. ... Pia Zadora brought her family into Chianti Café in Summerlin late last month. Zadora, who won a controversial Golden Globe in 1982 as "Best New Star" and a Razzie for "worst actress," joined Gary Anthony for a duet of "All of Me" during his Sinatra tribute. She introduced her family, including a daughter who was there with her boyfriend, Telly Savalas' son.

THE PUNCH LINE

"Lindsay Lohan is starring in a new reality show. I believe it's called 'Party's Over.' " -- Jay Leno

Norm Clarke can be reached at 702-383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.