Elvis has left the building.
And that has manager Colonel Tom Parker all shook up — even to the point that he is as desperate as a young woman trying to catch one of the King’s scarves dramatically flung into the audience. The Colonel, after all, needs to cover some gambling debts.
He’d like to ask his star singer to perform a concert for a friend to settle his financial score, but the jivin’, jump-suited crooner is nowhere to be found. Yet, it’s now or never for SOMEONE to save the day.
Therein lies much of the setup for Actor’s Studio of Hope’s latest dinner theater comedy “Elvis Has Left the Building,” slated for 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday, plus 7 p.m. April 30 and May 1 and also 2 p.m. May 2. Face masks and social distancing are required.
Director Naomi Fleetwood-Pyle, who loves Elvis like she loves the stage, summarizes the production in more-than-apt terms.
“I know,” she said, “that I have a hit on my hands.”
Well, that’s alright, mama. And, heavens to Graceland, even if the character of Presley himself can’t be there to help his longtime manager, a pair of Elvis impersonators — hypnotized ones, at that — can possibly save him from Heartbreak Hotel. Pete Law and Jason Bowser don the classic, white bell-bottoms to serve as the secondary serenaders.
Here’s where the show turns as serious and shiny as a gold record: Bowser, an actual part-time vocalist who has sung Presley songs for several years in other stage presentations, performs several Elvis tunes for real from the stage — a stage decorated with Elvis images, memorabilia and even Presley PEZ dispensers. Bowser renders versions of “Blue Suede Shoes,” “All Shook Up” and “Love Me Tender,” to name a few.
“When it comes to the actual Elvis songs, it’s very serious,” Bowser said. “It’s Elvis done right — at least I sincerely hope that it is.”
He has loved the artist since his boyhood when his father would crank up the radio when the artist’s music came on the air.
“So I am a massive Elvis fan,” said Bowser, who owns most of the performer’s records. “I just love Elvis.”
So, naturally, Bowser has had a king-sized good time at rehearsals.
“It’s one of the most enjoyable shows that I have done,” Bowser said. “I’ve never before seen an Elvis show where you can treat him and his music reverently, and yet still have fun with the overall material.”
Fleetwood-Pyle, who met Presley before his final concert on June 26, 1977, has even structured the dinner menu to fit the playbill. Peanut butter-banana finger sandwiches, which Presley loved, serve as appetizers and roast beef manhattans, another Presley favorite, form the entrees.
She also portrays news reporter Jill Tanner, reporting on the celebrity missing person in the performance.
“This is a comedy, but it’s also quite a serious tribute to Elvis,” Fleetwood-Pyle said.
Fitting for her, an international clogging performer whose local troupe moves to the rhythm of his biggest tunes.
“People who love Elvis,” she said, “will definitely love this.”
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What: The Actors Studio of Hope dinner theater comedy, "Elvis Has Left the Building."
When: Scheduled at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday, plus 7 p.m. April 30 and May 1 and also 2 p.m. May 2. Social distancing will be done.
Where: Willow Leaves of Hope, 326 Jackson St. in Hope.
Cost: $30.
Reservations: 812-546-0640.
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