Get out your blue suede shoes, Elvis is back in the building! Hip swinging its way around Australia, Elvis: A Musical Revolution has returned!
David Venn Enterprises, the team behind Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical, The Wedding Singer, Bring It On: The Musical, have noted the rave reviews and calls for the King to return. The re-imagined show "is tighter, faster and features even more fan favourite songs", according to producer David Venn.
The bio-musical explores the extraordinary life of award-winning cultural icon and rock ‘n’ roll superstar, Elvis Presley through a series of vignettes told in a non-linear way. Equal time is given to Elvis’ childhood and discovery of music, then jumping to his musical and Hollywood career, as well as snippets of his time in the army and romantic relationships.
The first production to be authorised by the Presley brand, the show is presented in partnership with Authentic Brands Group (Authentic) - owner of Elvis Presley Enterprises. But Elvis fans be warned: this show is a tribute to the King and has taken liberties with his story.
All the sensational cast members are back including Rob Mallett (who secured the role for the first show from over 700 applicants) returning as Elvis. Mallett is not Elvis personified but he does a fantastic job emulating the King, singing, dancing and even thrilling the crowd with Elvis’ signature wild hip-gyrations and poses.
The Presley catalogue has opened up with the jukebox musical featuring more than 40 of the singer's hits. The new version includes additional chart-topping Elvis hits such as Return To Sender, Teddy Bear and A Big Hunk O' Love.
There are a lot of great musical moments. The ensemble of the swing dancers is fabulous with their partner flipping high-energy moves. And the song collection allows the audience a view into the history of Elvis, the good and the bad. The mash-up of the increasingly ridiculous Hollywood films Elvis was forced to feature in turned into comedic moments.
The bio-musical also touches on some of the lesser known times in the singer's life including the musical song swapping scene between Frank Sinatra (played by Ben Hall) and Elvis singing Love Me Tender and Witchcraft.
Don’t go with Elvis expectations however this show will appeal to fans of Elvis’ music, who will love the opportunity to sing-along to some of his greatest hits.
Four stars. This electric show, Elvis: A Musical Revolution will run for a limited six-week season at the State Theatre, 49 Market Street, Sydney, until 9 March.
Tickets start from $79 (plus booking fee). For purchase》 visit: https://elvisamusicalrevolution.com.au
