‘Ultimate’ Elvis Tribute Is Pure ‘Wow’
Whether or not you’re an Elvis fan, the latest production by Sierra Repertory Theatre rates at least an 11 on a ten-scale.
Starring internationally recognized, award-winning “Elvis tribute artist” (aka ETA) Taylor Rodriguez, “Elvis: The Ultimate Tribute” definitely delivers on the promise the title implies.
Written by Rodriguez, who now is in his mid-20’s and has been an Elvis performer since the tender age of nine, the show provides a dynamic and entertaining throw-back experience of a live Elvis concert from the King’s prime audience-slaying days in the 1970s; when he morphed from his Hollywood movie period into headlining live shows and television specials such as his legendary “Aloha from Hawaii” televised concert.
Songs on the set list include: “The Wonder Of You,” “Trouble,” “All Shook Up,” “Burning Love,” “A Little Less Conversation,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Can’t Help Falling In Love,” “Suspicious Minds,” “That’s All Right,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Hound Dog,” “(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear,” and the concert staple “American Trilogy” medley that melds together the tunes “All My Trials,” “Dixie” and the “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
Last March, Rodriguez starred in Sierra Rep’s West Coast premiere of “Elvis: The Musical,” sanctioned by Elvis Presley Enterprises. The same entity named him its 21st Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Champion at Graceland in Memphis and has him under contract. A Lynchburg, Virginia native, the singer-actor is considered among the top Elvis tribute artists in the world and has performed in numerous other musical productions as Elvis, including the “Million Dollar Quartet.”
Directed by SRT Executive Producer Scott Viets, the show is playing through Aug. 25 at Sierra Rep’s East Sonora venue. The artist’s love and respect for Elvis is as evident as Rodriguez channels the iconic performer as during his fan-boy moments, when his warmly genuine and witty asides reveal an underlying charm and ability to engage an audience with his own personality. Unlike most theater productions that do not allow photography, Rodriguez encourages audience members to pull out their smartphones and engage with him and his tribute band throughout the show, often sauntering into the theater aisles for handshakes, photo and video opportunities.
By the way, the tribute band is stellar and appears to be having as much fun as the star. Music director-keyboardist Tom Buckley has many years experience backing up Elvis tribute artists. Lead guitarist Tim Colwell, a member of the Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame, also regularly works with Elvis tribute shows, including one done by country singer Ronnie McDowell with the members of the King’s own Jordanaires. Besides working on the Elvis tribute circuit, drummer John Crenshaw has performed with many country music performers such as Barbara Mandrell, Crystal Gayle and Marty Robbins as well as with Ricky Nelson’s sons Gunnar and Matthew in their band Nelson. The second drummer, Jamall Farrow, a friend of Rodriguez from his hometown, is on loan from Virginia Man, a touring indie-folk rock band.
Bassist-assistant music director Nathan Yates Douglass, a multi-instrumentalist, actor and singer-songwriter, last appeared at Sierra Rep as Uncle Stanley in “Sanders Family Christmas.” Backup singer Cat Greenfield, a partner to Douglass, is a New York-based actor-singer and multi-instrumentalist. Sierra Rep regular Camryn Elias blends right in and more than holds her own as the second backup singer for the group.
Evening performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. with matinees Wednesdays at noon and on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. Next on tap at Sierra Rep is “Hair,” slated for Sept. 5-29 at Fallon House Theatre at Columbia State Historic Park. For details and ticket information on the 2024 season offerings visit sierrarep.org.
