Rob Mallett brilliantly embodies The King in ELVIS: A MUSICAL REVOLUTION and leads an inspiring cast and crew in this very
entertaining music and dance spectacular. The story of Elvis’
background is cleverly woven around many of the great songs
which made him a legend. Writers David Abbinanti and Sean
Cercone tell of his impoverished childhood and growing up
amongst the coloured community. The community had major
influences on his musical education and this is perceptively
told through story and music.
The show features an excellent selection of the songs Elvis
performed. Elvis has had over 150 different albums and
singles certified gold, platinum and multi-platinum. He has
sold over one billion records worldwide and still holds the
record for Most Top 40 hits at 114 total. There were many
iconic songs for the showmakers to choose from. In Elvis’
early years we hear how he was exposed to The Inkspots,
church music, radio stations of his coloured neighbours,
his mother’s songs, and country music. Scenes are played
out where we see how he was exposed to these various
styles and how during his career he blended and developed
them into his own revolutionary music. The occasional
flashback to his childhood was very effective in balancing
the pace and narrative of the show.
Many of the audience would know the broad outline of the Elvis
story but the conversations that the writers have imagined and
the touches of humour make for an engaging narrative. There
are touching scenes with his mother, the cruel indifference of
Colonel Tom Parker and an amusing routine featuring dancing nuns
during his Hollywood time.
Amongst many fantastic aspects of the show the dancing and
costumes are spectacular. Accolades to Michael Ralph and Isaac
Lummis respectively. The sets of Dan Potra are very impressive as
is the lighting design of Declan O’Neill, Daniel Puckey’s musical
direction, David McKinnon’s video design, and Greg Ginger’s sound
design. Director Alister Smith has been impressive in bringing this all
together.
The splendid performances by the cast combined singing, dance and
acting at a captivating and highly professional level. It is almost
unfair to single out performers but Rhys James Hankey as young
Elvis deserves special mention. He is one of four young actors
sharing the role over the season. The quirky Kirby Burgess as Ann
Margaret was another memorable role. Sienna Embrey as Dixie and
Annie Chiswell as Priscilla were both great. Ben Hall as Sam
Phillips gave a notable performance. The cast includes Ian Stenlake,
Noni McCallum, Matt Heyward, Aidan O Cleirigh, Connor Morel,
Hanlon Innocent, Zuleika Khan, Jo-Anne Jackson, Charly Williams,
Joti Gore, Oliver Bosward, Tommy Kent, Finn Walsham,
Nicholas Collins, William Motonuu, Moniquewa Williams, David
Cuny, James MacAlpine, Jarryd Byrne, Callum Marshall, Nicole
Vella, and Lauren Jimmieson.
ELVIS: A MUSICAL REVOLUTION is at
the State Theatre until 10th Septemberbefore moving to
Melbourne. It is highly recommended.
