By June Ramli
In the quaint neighborhood of Cherry Park in Ipoh, Malaysia, my childhood memories are intertwined with the sounds of Elvis Presley.
While I may not have been an Elvis enthusiast, there was a neighbor who made sure his music echoed through our youthful days.
Her name was Jacqueline, and she shared her passion for the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll with a fervor that was infectious.
Jacqueline and her brother operated a burger stall right in front of their house, a fixture of our daily lives. However, their family faced its share of challenges, as her father grappled with a drinking problem. Jacqueline, a couple of years older than me, possessed an early fondness for boys, a disposition that occasionally raised eyebrows in our conservative Asian community.
Back then, the unwritten rule was to pursue education and career before allowing thoughts of romance to blossom.
As I reminisce about those days, I can’t help but remember Jacqueline’s genuine affection for Elvis Presley.
Her dedication to the iconic musician has recently flooded my memories as I sit down to write this review.
Now, let’s turn our attention to the subject of this article – “Elvis: A Musical Revolution.”
The show unfolds by delving into how Elvis embarked on his musical journey, a path paved by hours spent in record stores and inspired by Black musicians – a daring choice in his era.
The narrative beautifully captures his deep love for his parents and chronicles the humble beginnings of his music career.
The production itself was a tasteful masterpiece.
The cast was impeccably chosen, with many members showcasing impressive dancing skills, including the more robust performers who effortlessly matched their agile counterparts.
The stage was bathed in exquisite lighting, and the costume design was a testament to attention to detail.
Apart from the lead actor who portrayed Elvis, the supporting cast was a formidable ensemble of talented individuals, each demonstrating remarkable acting, singing, and dancing prowess.
I attended the matinee show at the State Theater, and while the hall was not packed to its full capacity, I couldn’t help but feel it should have been.
If you have upcoming birthdays or anniversaries on your calendar, consider adding this show to your itinerary.
The audience was not limited to the older generation; even young children were part of the camaraderie, perhaps drawn by the matinee show’s family-friendly timing.
The show was a captivating three-hour journey through the life of the legendary singer, complete with a well-deserved 20-minute intermission.
There were many aspects of Elvis’s life that I was unaware of, such as his army deployment and his memorable duet with another American music legend, Frank Sinatra.
By the time the curtain fell, I had been “All Shook Up” and had emerged as a renewed Elvis Presley fan. “Elvis: A Musical Revolution” features over 40 of his hit songs, celebrating the extraordinary life of this cultural icon, from his Mississippi roots to his triumphant comeback in ’68, ultimately solidifying his title as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
The setlist includes timeless classics like “Jailhouse Rock,” “Hound Dog,” “Suspicious Minds,” “Can’t Help Falling In Love,” and many more.
With an all-star Australian cast, mesmerizing choreography, and hit after hit, this production leaves no room for doubt – you simply can’t help falling in love with Elvis all over again.
For those interested in catching “Elvis: A Musical Revolution” before it moves on to Melbourne, be sure to check out the show’s details and ticket information on the official website here.
Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the mesmerizing journey of Elvis Presley’s life and music before it continues its tour.
It’s a show that’s sure to leave you with a renewed appreciation for the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
June Ramli is the editor of DailyStraits.com. To stay in touch with June, look her up on Twitter @junesairaramli