Perth audiences who have a burning love for productions based on music royalty have enjoyed a little less conversation and a little more action on stage this year.
Mere weeks after farewelling a musical honouring the story of queen of rock’n’roll, Tina Turner, the life of the king of rock’n’roll has entered the Crown Theatre Perth building.
Elvis: A Musical Revolution is a high energy homage to the fundamental moments in Presley’s life, from growing up in Tupelo, Mississippi through to his triumphant 1968 Comeback Special.
The show follows the evolution of a revolution, where the world was changing and music forever changed with it as Presley created a legacy, the cultural icon becoming more than just a crooning hairdo with a career that went well beyond the humble heights of the Louisiana Hayride.
Authorised by Elvis Presley Enterprises, the all-new bio-musical was written by David Abbinanti and Sean Cercone — the creative minds behind stage musicals of Saturday Night Fever and Ghost — and this Australian production marked its world premiere when it opened in Sydney in August 2023.
Unlike the aforementioned Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, that does not shy away from many of Turner’s brutal truths, Elvis: A Musical Revolution omits some of the documented harsher realities of the singer’s story.
The production is a bit of a slow burn as it moves through Presley’s career chronologically, along with the device of flashbacks featuring an 11-year-old Young Elvis during pivotal parts of his formative years, on opening night played brilliantly by local talent Oscar Harrison.
Star of screen and stage Rob Mallett as Presley oozes the level of charisma required for the role.
With more than ample swagger and sideburns, it is evident how the WA Academy of Performing Arts graduate secured the role over more than 700 other applicants, not just with every gyrating hip swivel and leg shake, but a depth in his voice that grabs your attention and refuses to let go.
This is no tacky Vegas tribute act but a musical theatre performer who has captured the essence of Presley, while also bringing part of himself to it as well, a feat alone worth seeing this show to experience.
Choreographer Michael Ralph, who won a Green Room award for the production, must be commended for the masterful detail in Presley’s trademark moves, assisted by Elvis Presley consultant Mark Andrew.
Thanks to wardrobe and wig, an almost unrecognisable Ian Stenlake expertly steps into the shoes of the self-serving Colonel Parker, his stranglehold on the singer’s career and cavalcade of degrading movie choices a frustrating reality to watch.
The rest of the main players in Presley’s narrative are brought to life in stellar performances by Noni McCallum as mother Gladys Presley, Ben Hall in the dual roles of Sun Records’ Sam Phillips and Frank Sinatra, Annie Chiswell as Priscilla and Kirby Burgess as actress Ann-Margret and Marion.
The jukebox musical packs in more than 40 of the king’s catalogue of hits, from Burning Love, That’s Alright, Heartbreak Hotel and Hound Dog to Blue Suede Shoes, Viva Las Vegas and Jailhouse Rock.
Love Me Tender and Can’t Help Falling in Love are two particularly poignant moments in the show which, given its superstar subject matter, is aptly performed under a proscenium arch adorned with bright dressing room mirror style lighting.
The rest of the set design features a giant Elvis sign and multiple LED screens that accommodate streamlined scene changes with ease, while announcing the year of each said scene, accompanied by a kaleidoscope of fashions from the eras by costume designer Isaac Lummins.
With a finale to bring the house down, or rather audience to their feet, Elvis: A Musical Revolution is bound to have Presley fans of all ages show this production a big hunk o’ love as it shakes, rattles and rolls across its Perth season.
Elvis: A Musical Revolution is at Crown Theatre Perth until June 2.
3.5 stars