(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
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