Venue: State Theatre (Sydney NSW), from Aug 2 – Sep 10, 2023
Book: David Abbinanti, Sean Cercone
Director: Alister Smith
Cast: Annie Chiswell, Sienna Embrey, Joti Gore, Ben Hall, Rhys James Hankey, Matt Heyward, Jo-Anne Jackson, Zuleika Khan, Rob Mallett, Noni McCallum, Connor Morel, Aidan O Cleirigh, Ian Stenlake, Hanlon Innocent, Kirby Burgess, Charly Williams
Images by Daniel Boud, Ken Leanfore
Theatre review
The King of Rock and Roll may have had an eventful life, but it is ultimately his music and enduring influence on pop culture that matters the most. In Elvis: A Musical Revolution, the legend is portrayed from childhood to the very pinnacle of his career, featuring a string of evergreen hits (faithfully and propulsively re-orchestrated by Daniel Puckey) that will forever be associated with the icon. The book by David Abbinanti and Sean Cercone might feel deficient and unremarkable, in efforts to encapsulate an epic narrative, but the star’s incandescence persists throughout the piece regardless.
Performer Rob Mallett could very well have presented a show paying tribute just singing and dancing, without all the attempts at delivering a narrative, and the audience would have been equally thrilled. Mallett’s skill at impersonating the idolised figure might be nothing short of astonishing, but it is his ability to captivate and connect, as a preeminent artist of the live format, that makes the show an electrifying experience. With his incredible vocal range, and a confident and dexterous physicality, Mallett transcends mimicry, to have us infatuated all over again with one of the world’s greatest sex symbols.
The entire cast is commendable, full of vim and vigour, in their support of an exceptional leading man. Choreography by Michael Ralph takes every opportunity to provide excitement, in addition to his responsibilities in recreating the king’s unforgettable moves. Costume design by Isaac Lummins too, is exquisitely rendered, for an Elvis wardrobe that is at once authentic and elevated, able to help us recall the many striking images indelible in our collective memory.
Other design aspects however are less than impressive, in a production that often looks unimaginatively assembled and insufficiently opulent, for this reminiscence of the most flamboyant of entertainers. Video projections are especially poorly administered, failing to add clarity to the storytelling and making the overall visual aesthetics even more disappointing. The production is directed by Alister Smith, who must be given credit for finding ways to bring true sentimentality beyond the smoke and mirrors of the musical genre, but much of the show feels to be a work in progress, yet to uncover its full potential.
Elvis Presley paid an inordinately high price for fame. His story is eventually tragic, but on this occasion we are thankfully spared having to go through those heartbreaking final days. What he left behind is endlessly inspiring and unequivocally glorious. In Elvis: A Musical Revolution, we are miraculously able to rekindle that unparalleled magic, complete with a myriad somewhat characteristic imperfections.
Suzy Goes See 