Weisch rocks in fitting tribute to the King

Elvis Trilogy

Elvis Trilogy

Published Aug 27, 2015

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ELVIS TRILOGY

CAST/MUSICIANS: Doug Weisch, Tammy Saville, Marion Loudon, Kirsty Madgin, Wade Wight, |Ollie Hart, Jill Murraybrown, Graham Buckle and Bruce Boome

VENUE: Rhumbelow Theatre, Durban

UNTIL: Sunday

RATING: ****

A visit to the Rhumbelow Theatre in Umbilo in the company of good friends, while enjoying a picnic supper, a few drinks and listening to some wonderful live music is a pretty enjoyable way to spend an evening.

And the reason for the visit? Well, the King is back. Or more correctly – Elvis tribute artist, Doug Weisch ( pictured).

For the fourth year running, and by popular demand, Weisch is back with Elvis Trilogy.

Weisch uses costume changes, video projections and a plethora of Elvis Presley’s songs to tell the story of the musical icon at the start of his career in the 1950s, in the 1960s after his return from army service and the ultimate, Elvis in Las Vegas.

It is a fabulous show. Included are enough of Presley’s hit songs to keep all happy: Stuck On You, Wear My Ring Around Your Neck, Treat Me Nice, (You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care, Teddy Bear, Blue Suede Shoes, Lawdy Miss Clawdy, Jail House Rock, If You’re Looking For Trouble, Heartbreak Hotel, Hound Dog, All Shook Up, CC Rider, You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me, Blueberry Hill, Can’t Stop Loving You, Proud Mary, Johnny Be Good, Long Tall Sally, American Trilogy and Suspicious Minds.

Although Weisch does have big hair and long sideburns and wears a sequined catsuit, his appearance is quite dignified and he does not go over the top like so many Elvis impersonators. In fact, he doesn’t even look much like Elvis and his show is much more of a tribute to the King than an impersonation.

Providing backing music is a fantastic eight-piece group, the MSG Band, comprising some of Durban’s best veteran rockers along with a generous helping of glamour. Members are Wade Wight (keyboards), Ollie Hart (piano), Jill Murraybrown (bass guitar), Graham Buckle (drums) and Bruce Boome (lead guitar).

The glamour is provided by backing vocalists Tammy Saville and Marion Loudon and on the saxophone is Kirsty Madgin. Her rendition on the sax of Shake, Rattle and Roll is one of the highlights of the show.

Elvis Trilogy is a marvellous celebration of the life – and fitting tribute to – one of the greatest singers of all time, who died far too young on August 16, 1977. It is a must for all Elvis Presley fans and anyone looking to enjoy an exuberant party.

Performances: Friday to Sunday at the Rhumbelow Theatre in Cunningham Road, Durban. Tickets: R120 at Computicket or contact Roland at 082 499 8636 or [email protected]. – Artsmart.co.za.

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