With the 30th anniversary of the opening of Graceland earlier this summer, it is fitting that Drayton Entertainment salutes the King of Rock and Roll through its production of Blue Suede Shoes: Memories of the King.
The public’s love affair with Elvis Presley has spanned generations, and even after his sudden passing in 1977, it has grown to such epic proportions that it’s almost impossible not to recognize his name today.
Catch phrases like: “Elvis is in the House or “Thank you; thank you very much” are synonymous with the larger than life legend of Elvis Presley.
The audience’s reaction TO the “King,” portrayed by renowned tribute artist Roy Leblanc, was evidence the fascination with Elvis’ legacy and the relationship he shared with Colonel Tom Parker, played by director and set designer Chris McHarge.
Given the number of Elvis tributes and impersonators, LeBlanc met the daunting task of portraying the icon head on.
The depth of his voice range, with albeit a somewhat ill-advised use of a southern twang, generally mixed well as he swiveled and lip curled his sequined and leather clad way through such hits as Return to Sender, Heart Break Hotel and Viva Las Vegas.
The deep southern-style narration of the cigar chomping Colonel definitely bridged musical tributes and storyline; opening with such favourites See See Rider and That’s All Right.
The role of The Colonel is challenging, given the public’s long held view that Elvis’ manager mismanaged and manipulated Elvis’ career and personal life.
However, McHarges manages to maneuver his character from “most hated”, to comical, to somewhat loveable if not misunderstood, in a way that engages the audience.
The use of stock footage, real voice overs and Elvis’ Centre Stage full piece band convinced the audience that they were almost voyeuristically peeking back in time at the pivotal moments that impacted the success of Elvis’ career-including his stage, movie and television performances.
Elvis’ hits often crossed over from rock and roll to country and vice versa, whether intentionally or not but it was the inclusion of Leblanc’s tribute to Elvis’ gospel era that truly awakened audience members who burst into full song along with LeBlanc to the gospel classic How Great Thou Art.
Throughout the entire show, the band solidified each rendition, and to their credit, the acoustical performances unveiled their vivacious and energetic talent.
It’s very tempting to give away all this shows surprises and one doesn’t have to know the complete history of Elvis’ career to enjoy it.
Classics such as Heart Break Hotel and Hound Dog left the audience All Shook Up (yes, I did have to use that pun).
Blue Suede Shoes: Memories of the King is at the Drayton Festival Theatre until Oct. 6. For tickets call 519-638-5555 or visit www.draytonfestival.com.
