The Lake Charles Symphony’s “Rat Pack” summer pops concert set for July 15

The 60th annual summer pops concert features the Lake Charles Symphony performing songs made famous by members of the Rat Pack — Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr.

The show is set for 7 p.m. July 15 in the Lake Charles Civic Center coliseum. Doors will open at 6 p.m.

Shelly Appleby, the symphony’s executive director, said 64 orchestra members will team up with a trio, represented by Broadway Pops International, that sings the hits from the Rat Pack, including “That’s Amore,” “The Lady is a Tramp,” “Mr. Bojangles,” “My Way” and “New York, New York.”

Sal Viviano, who plays Sinatra in the performance, said the group has been doing the show for roughly 12 years. Each singer has also done plenty of shows on Broadway.

“We’ve taken the (Rat Pack) show to about 50 orchestras,” Viviano said. “There are lots of laughs. The dialogue is unusual for a pop symphony.”

The show, Viviano said, features original Rat Pack routines performed decades ago at the historic Sands Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

“We sought to present those guys at the peak of their form,” he said. “Their act was rehearsed, but whatever happened, happened.”

Viviano said the Rat Pack provided a type of entertainment that doesn’t exist today.

“Those guys were one of a kind,” he said. “There’s a great sense of it being more than just a concert. There’s a style to it.”

Appleby said the mission of summer pops is to introduce the symphony to people who may have never heard them perform. The concert has been a Lake Charles tradition since 1958.

“People can listen to the symphony in a nontraditional setting,” she said. “It’s very casual.”

Riser seats are $30 for adults, $15 for students, and free for children 6 and under.

Reserve tables that can seat up to eight people are available. Gold VIP tables are $1,250; silver premium tables are $1,000; bronze reserved tables are $525; and individual reserved table seats are $75 each.

To purchase tickets, visit www.lcsymphony.com or the Civic Center box office or call 433-1611.

SportsPlus

life

Party like it’s 2025: Hot spots to ring in the new year

life

‘Strange’ crew: Local talent brings sci-fi atmosphere to movie

Local News

Trump vows to pursue executions after Biden commutes most of federal death row

Local News

Local doctor says CVS policy punishes rural residents

Local News

In a calendar rarity, Hanukkah starts this year on Christmas Day

Jim Beam

Jim Beam column:Prophets told us He was coming

life

Guest column: ‘My King and my God’ — the true meaning of Christmas

McNeese Sports

Barbie returning to McNeese

life

Port Wonder set to open in February

Crime

12/24: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Football

Scooter Hobbs column: What to get for the athlete who has everything?

Local News

Heavy travel day off to a rough start after American Airlines briefly grounds all flights

Local News

Louisiana often holds inmates past their release date, DOJ lawsuit claims

Crime

12/23: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Local News

Where’s Santa now? NORAD’s Santa tracker was a Cold War morale boost. Now it attracts millions of kids

Crime

Conviction, sentence in kidnapping of 8-month-old stands

Local News

Wet, warm Christmas in SW La.’s forecast

McNeese Sports

Parker, Cowboys topple Cajuns

Local News

Sowela unveils new production studio

Local News

Local nurse retiring after a lifetime of serving — and learning

Local News

‘A man of integrity’: Dane Bolin set to take reins as Calcasieu Parish administrator

McNeese Sports

Cowboys ad ‘big’ recruit

McNeese Sports

Cowgirls stumble out the gate

Local News

Temple pushes for special session on insurance reform