Once upon a time, there were three swingin’ guys in tuxes who loved to paint the town red.

Their names were Dino, Sammy and Frank, members of what became known as “The Rat Pack.”

The Greenville Area Arts Council (GAAC) is bringing this trio of very hip fellows to the stage of the Ritz on Tuesday, October 20 for “Rat Pack Encore,” the opener for the 2009-2010 season.

“This show will take the audience back to the days when Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and Frank Sinatra were the coolest guys performing the hottest songs and dance in town,” said GAAC director Nancy Idland.

Backed up by a top-notch band, the three talents bring those legendary performers back to life with comedic patter, romantic crooning and a bit of the old soft shoe.

Their camaraderie and warm rapport with the audience makes The Rat Pack Encore a real crowd-pleaser.

“We’ve heard nothing but raves about this show and we hope to fill up the Ritz for this wonderful evening,” Idland said.

“The Rat Pack Encore” is produced by Alkahest Artists and Attractions, Inc., a company providing live theatre and music to the nation since 1896. During its Chautauqua tent days, celebrities such as Winston Churchill, Enrico Caruso, Amelia Earhart and many others appeared at its venues. Today, the company is dedicated to bringing high-quality live productions to rural areas.

The curtain will rise at 7 p.m., October 20 for “The Rat Pack Encore” at the Ritz. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students and are available at The Pineapple in downtown Greenville.