A rip-roaring rock and roll party! (Review by Keith Millar)
A visit to the unique Rhumbelow Theatre in Umbilo in the company of good
friends, while enjoying a picnic supper, a few drinks and listening to some
wonderful live music is a pretty enjoyable way to spend an evening.
And the reason for the visit? Well the King is back. Or more correctly -
not quite the King himself, but accomplished Elvis Tribute Artist Doug Weisch.
For the fourth year running, and by popular demand, Weisch is appearing at
the Rhumbelow Theatre with his show, Elvis
“Trilogy”.
Weisch uses costume changes, video projections and a plethora of Elvis
Presley’s unforgettable songs to tell the story of the musical icon at the
start of his career in the 1950’s, in the1960’s after his return from army
service, and the ultimate, Elvis in Las Vegas.
It is a fabulous show. A rip-roaring rock and roll party which gets
everyone clapping, stomping and singing along. .Included in the show are enough
of Elvis Presley’s hit songs to keep all happy.
Just have a look at this sample from the playlist. Stuck On You, Wear My Ring Around Your Neck, Treat Me Nice, (You’re So
Square) Baby I Don’t Care, Teddy Bear, Blue Suede Shoes, Lawdy Miss Clawdy,
Jail House Rock, If You’re Looking For Trouble, Heartbreak Hotel, Hound Dog,
All Shook Up, CC Rider, You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me, Blueberry Hill,
Can’t Stop Loving You, Proud Mary, Johnny Be Good, Long Tall Sally, American
Trilogy and, Suspicious Minds. This should be more than enough to get any
party going.
Although Weisch does have big hair and long sideburns and wears a
sequined catsuit, his appearance is quite dignified and he does not go over the
top like so many Elvis impersonators. In fact he doesn’t even look much like
Elvis and his show is much more of a tribute to the King than a full-on impersonation.
Providing backing music for the production is a fantastic eight-piece
group which goes under the title of the MSG Band. The group comprises some of
Durban’s best veteran rockers along with a generous helping of glamour. Members
are Wade Wight (keyboards), Ollie Hart (piano), Jill Murraybrown (bass guitar),
Graham Buckle (drums) and Bruce Boome (lead guitar). The combined ages of these
troupers is well over 300 years but they certainly know how to party.
The glamour is provided by backing vocalists Tammy Saville and Marion
Loudon - both solo artists in their own right – and on the saxophone is the
lovely Kirsty Madgin. Her rendition on the sax of Shake Rattle and Roll is one of the highlights of the show.
Elvis ‘Trilogy’ is a marvellous celebration
of the life - and fitting tribute to - one of the greatest singers of all time,
who died far too young on 16 August, 1977. It is a must for all Elvis Presley
fans and, in fact, for anyone looking to enjoy an exuberant party.
Performances of the show will take place again from August 28 to 30 at
the Rhumbelow Theatre in Cunningham Road, off Bartle Road in Durban. On Friday and Saturday, the shows are at 20h00 and
on Sunday at 14h00 and 18h30.
The venue opens 90 minutes
before the show for picnic dinner. Bring food picnic baskets (braais will be
available). A bar is available - no alcohol may be brought on to the premises.
Tickets R120. Limited secure
parking is available. Booking is essential through Computicket or contact
Roland on 082 499 8636 or e-mail: roland@stansell.za.net or visit http://events.durbantheatre.com – Keith
Millar
Posts
