Corbin Payne knew little about the Rat Pack before playing the role of Frank Sinatra in Meadow Brook Theatre’s production of “The Rat Pack Lounge,” which runs April 23-May 18 at the Rochester Hills theater.

“I’m a millennial. I didn’t grow up on crooner music,” he said. “My folks might have listened to it here or there. I’m familiar with them.” He knew who they were and enjoyed “New York, New York,” the “amazing iconic song” performed by Sinatra.

“Once I was booked on this show, I started doing research. I did the YouTube dive and watched clips of the Rat Pack, including interviews they did on TV shows,” he said.

In the show, Payne sings about 20 numbers, but “New York, New York” is not among them. Some of his favorites are “Fly Me to the Moon,” “One for My Baby (And One More for the Road)” and “Nice ‘N Easy.”

As the plot goes, the Rat Pack — Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. — can’t stay in heaven because they have unfinished business on Earth. Vic, the owner of the Rat Pack Lounge, wants to “kill himself because of something Frank Sinatra said to him over 25 years ago,” Payne explained.

“Frank left a note to Vic’s dad and to Vic, saying: ‘That kid’s got it. With enough hard work, practice and sacrifice, he will be a star just like me.’ Vic’s father and Vic idolized Frank Sinatra.”

Payne starts out as William Saunders, a real estate mogul who’s buying up property on the old Las Vegas Strip, including the Rat Pack Lounge. “It’s an old dive bar with a bunch of Rat Pack memorabilia,” said Payne.

“Vic (Eric Coles) is a Rat Pack fan. He’s down on his luck and trying to get rid of the place. God intervenes and puts Frank Sinatra’s mind inside Saunders’s body to help convince Vic to stay alive and keep the lounge.”

Sammy Davis (Malik Jordan) enters the body of Bobby, an employee at the bar, and Dean Martin (Javier Alfonso Castellanos) enters the body of Jeorge, Saunders’ limo driver.

“They are thrilled to be back on Earth and feel what they haven’t felt in decades,” Payne said. “They’re trying to convince Vic not to kill himself. And they’re trying to convince Vic that they are the Rat Pack. It all leads to hijinks and craziness.”

Each member of the Rat Pack tries teaching Vic a song. “Sammy teaches him how to scat, how to be slick, suave, a cool cat. He sings ‘Bee-Bom.’ Dean sings ‘Volare’ to teach him how to be a crooner, how to be cool and smooth. Frank sings ‘Nice ‘N Easy’ — (so he’ll learn) how to make the audience think he’s singing the song for the first time.”

There are several twists and turns before culminating into one big night.

Payne grew up in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and earned a bachelor’s degree in musical theatre from the University of Northern Colorado in 2017. He moved to New York and performed in an off-Broadway show called “Cleopatra.”

After that, he played several roles in regional theaters, including Tony in “West Side Story,” Pippin in “Pippin,” Charlie Price in “Kinky Boots” and Prince Eric in “The Little Mermaid.” This is his first performance at Meadow Brook Theatre.

“Playing Frank Sinatra is not something I would have picked for myself,” he said. “My singing style is a lot more modern. I’m a tenor. Sinatra is a famous baritone. It’s been a fun challenge. Trying to embrace the coolest crooner of all time is a tall task.”

While many of the jokes and songs are geared to an older audience, there is still something for everyone, Payne said.

“The Rat Pack Lounge” is directed by Travis W. Walter. Brent Frederick is the music director, with choreography by Debbie Williams. Scenic design is by Kristen Gribbin, with costume design by Karen Kangas-Preston, lighting design by Scott Ross and sound design by Brendan Eaton. Brittanie Nichole Sicker is the stage manager and Stacy White is the assistant stage manager.