COMING SOON - Elvis will rock the building

February 18, 2008

THE popular entertainment company, Centrestage, brings its tribute to Elvis Presley The Wonder of You to the Guild Theatre from February 28 until March 8.

The show features the unstoppable Centrestage All-Star Band, fronted by East London’s own Rory McLaren as the king of rock ’n roll, augmented by the Sweet Sensations and the Centrestage Horny Section.

A similar approach to the manner in which the group saluted Freddy Mercury and Queen will be taken, with each of the band members taking turns to pay their respective tributes.

The two hour show takes in all the entertainer’s biggest hits.

Wayne Kallis unleashes his pent-up rock ’n roll energy to depict Elvis in his frenetic early fifties hip-swaying days with It’s Allright Mama, Blue Suede Shoes, Teddy Bear and Heartbreak Hotel, while likeable drummer Gino Fabbri provides some military fun in his GI Blues rendition, tipping the hat at Elvis’ time in the army.

Covering Elvis’ movie career are the likes of musical director Donovan Hattingh taking Centrestage on King Creole and Viva Las Vegas, while keyboardist Kanya Matomali does a fun turn on Trouble and McLaren puts on his jailbird attire for Jailhouse Rock.

One of the highlight moments belongs to the leather-clad McLaren, who breathes new life in Elvis’ 1970 Comeback Special performances.

The second half features his spectacular Las Vegas period, with the brass section comprising of Geoff Taylor, Shawn Lyon and Greg Bell lifting ever popular songs such as You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me, I Just Cant Help Believing, Burning Love, Can’t Help Falling in Love and Suspicious Minds to new heights.

Making up the Sweet Sensations backing group are Donna Africa, Lelani Fourie and Lani Botha, while Mike McAully is again on duty on double bass and bass respectively.

Donovan Hattingh and Wayne Kallis share guitar duties.

McLaren shows his mettle with stirring performances of big songs such as Impossible Dream and American Trilogy.

Presented in extravaganza style, The Wonder of You is the 15th big music show brought to East London by Centrestage.

Tickets can be purchased from the Guild Theatre by calling 043 743 0704.



Source: http://preview.tinyurl.com/3d46p8