THEATRE REVIEW: This is Elvis at Leeds Grand Theatre

Starring Steve Michaels as Elvis the musical is based around the 1968 comeback special and how Elvis started his Las Vegas run.
The first scene is the filming of the comeback special at NBC Studios, a scene at Graceland and then the International Hotel Las Vegas. 18 Elvis songs are sung in the first Act and a wonderful version of Bridge Over Troubled Water which for me was the stand out moment of the whole show. 

The second act was just like an Elvis Las Vegas show, with Steve Michaels wearing the obligatory white catsuit and 21 hits being sung a wonderful mix of rock and roll, ballads and gospel.  Most of the audience were on their feet dancing and singing along to the more upbeat hits.

The music is wonderful and has a real feel good factor. The  supporting actors are also the backing musicians and singers and are also excellent.Steve Michaels sounds and looks amazingly like Elvis and has perfected his impersonation. He also portrays the sadder side of Elvis too and made us aware that although he had a lot of people around him, deep down he was very lonely. It is a very nostalgic show which reminds us all what a wonderful talent Elvis was and how he was sadly taken away far too soon. Hopefully this musical will keep his music alive and also introduce it to a whole new younger audience.

The Lowdown

What it's about:
The Elvis come back show in 1968 and the start of his Las Vegas run.

Top 3 reasons to see it:
1. The music
2. The feel good factor
3. Nostalgia

Stand out moment:
When he sings Bridge over troubled water

Best thing about it:
It reminds you of what an amazing talent Elvis was and how he sadly died too early.

The Blurb 
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To celebrate 50 years since Elvis Presley’s ’Comeback Special’ aired on NBC Television in 1968, Bill Kenwright’s, This Is Elvis, is set to rock Leeds Grand Theatre from Monday 4 to Saturday 9 June 2018. 

Following the true story of a pivotal period in Elvis’s life and career, This Is Elvis charts The King’s journey back to stardom and his return to success as a stage performer; securing his place in history as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. 

This is Elvis recreates all the drama leading up to the comeback as well as staging the monumental concert and The King’s Vegas debut. The show features many of Elvis’s greatest hits, including, Hound Dog, Love Me Tender, Jailhouse Rock, Are you Lonesome Tonight?, Can’t Help Falling in Love, In The Ghetto, Suspicious Minds, American Trilogy and many more. 

In the coveted role of Elvis is international award-winning tribute artist and actor Steve Michaels. His masterful performance and remarkable renditions of The King have garnered him worldwide attention, playing alongside some of Elvis Presley’s iconic band mates, including legendary drummer DJ Fontana and bassist Jerry Scheff, and the extraordinary Jordanaires and Sweet Inspirations. 

Elvis has left the building. 

This Is Elvis is at Leeds Grand Theatre from Monday 4 to Saturday 9 June 2018. 
Tickets are on sale now priced at £19.50 
(prices include a £3 booking fee. Postage charge £1 where applicable) 
Book online at leedsgrandtheatre.com or call Box Office on 0844 848 2700

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