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Tuesday, August 15, 2017

ELVIS & ME: THE PRISCILLA STORY



(Doug Weich)

Elvis Presley fans should go to this show and enjoy a respectful and enjoyable tribute to the King. (Review by Keith Millar)

The three Rhumbelow Theatres regularly offer splendid musical tribute shows to suit all tastes in contemporary music. This week at Rhumbelow Durban it is the turn of Elvis Presley fans as seasoned Elvis tribute artist Doug Weich pays homage to the “King of Rock and Roll.”

This is the sixth consecutive year that Weich has presented his Elvis tribute show at the Rhumbelow Theatre. On this occasion, which marks 40 years since the untimely death of the artist on August 16, 1977, he tells the story of the relationship between Elvis and his only true love, Priscilla.

With the help of video clips which are projected onto screens suspended above the Rhumbelow stage and plenty of good music, Elvis & Me: The Priscilla Story takes the audience on a journey through the different eras of Elvis and Priscilla’s life’s together. From their meeting while Elvis was in the army in Germany through to their divorce and finally the breakup which ultimately led to his downward spiral and finally the tragic death of the star.

Along the way, Weich belts out many of the Kings memorable songs, such as That’s Alright Mama, G I Blues, Blue Suede Shoes, Jailhouse Rock, Hound Dog, Welcome to My World, Love Me Tender, Heartbreak Hotel, Johnny B. Goode, You Were Always on My Mind and Suspicious Minds, to name a few.

Special moments are when Weich hands out fluffy teddy bear toys to members of the audience while singing Teddy Bear, and his rousing finale of American Trilogy.

Doug Weich, hair aside, is certainly not an Elvis look-alike and his voice is not much like Elvis’, either. However, he does have a good singing voice and this along with all the right moves, actions and accoutrements, such as massive sideburns, fancy costumes and glittering jewellery, he makes a very acceptable effort at re-creating the Elvis magic.

The costumes are in fact something to behold. All created by his wife Antoinette, and some of them containing literally thousands of glue-on sequins, they are quite magnificent.

Weich is backed by a very accomplished six-piece band which includes Wade Wight (keyboards), Evan Cullum (piano), Glen Turrell (bass guitar), Andy Turrell (drums), David Knott (lead guitar) and the fabulous Kirsty Madgin (saxophone).

Back-up singers for this production are the glamorous Claire Rowlett and Sandi Da Cunha.

What made this show a cut above the other Elvis tributes I have seen by Weich is that it offered more variety with both back-up singers, saxophonist Kirsty Madgin and pianist Evan Cullum all getting the opportunity to strut their stuff.

The effervescent Clair Rowlett performs with aplomb singing Can’t Help Falling in Love, and You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me, while the sultry Sandi Da Cunha does great justice to Fever and a moving rendition of Unchained Melody.

Musical director Evan Cullum chips in with Mystery Train while Kirsty Madgin steals the show with rocking versions of Tutti Frutti and Shake Rattle and Roll on her sax. This young lady does sexy like no other and this along with her fabulous playing provided the highlight of the show. Her solo sax bit during American Trilogy was also performed with skill and sensitivity.

Elvis & Me: The Priscilla Story is great fun, which provides for an excellent rock and roll party. All who are fans of the music of Elvis Presley (and who isn’t) should go to this show and enjoy a respectful and enjoyable tribute to the King.

Venue opens 90 minutes before the show for supper. Braais are available for those who wish to cook some meat. Limited secure parking available. Bar available (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises)

The show can be seen at the Rhumbelow Theatre in Cunningham Road, Umbilo, this weekend, with shows on August 18 and 19 at 20h00, and on August 20 at 14h00 and 18h30. Entrance R150 a ticket. Booking is essential through Computicket or contact Roland on 082 499 8636 or email: roland@stansell.za.net or visit http://events.durbantheatre.com/ - Keith Millar