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Lakeshore Advance, 2012-08-08, Page 52Wednesday, August 24, 2011 • Lakeshore Advance 15 Blue Suede shoes takes audience on walk down memory lane Lynda Hillman-Rapley Lakeshore Advance It was August 16, 1977 that Elvis Aaron Presley died but you would never know that if you attended opening night at the Huron Country Playhouse to see the King of Rock in Blue Suede Shoes. i toy LeBlanc does a fine job of bringing the Elvis reper- re to life and Chris McHarg was very believable as Colo- nel Tom Parker who would manage the singer for over two decades. McHarge treats the star of the show with compas- sion and respect, and provides a few laughs along the way. Ai This play is a tribute to a true artistic pioneer. It contains one hit after another, and whether or not you're a fan, this show will touch your heart, make you laugh, and leave you singing your way out of the theatre." — Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment Born in Tupelo, Mississippi, Presley moved to Memphis, Tennessee, with his family at the age of 13. He began his career there in 1954 with Sun Records owner Sam Phillips. An ambitious production with Presley is regarded as one of the most important figures of 20th -century popular cul- ture. He had a versatile voice and unusually wide success encompassing many genres, including country, pop bal- lads, gospel, and blues. He is the best-selling solo artist in the history of popular music. Nominated for 14 competi- tive Grammys, he won three, and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at age 36. Ile has been inducted into four music halls of fame. "This play is a tribute to a true artistic pioneer," says Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment. "It contains one hit after another, and whether or not you're a fan, this show will touch your heart, make you laugh, and leave you singing your way out of the theatre." Renowned Elvis impersonator Roy LeBlanc takes to the stage as the American icon that became one of the most popular singers of the 20th century. LeBlanc has many AIR L PARK THEATRE s>o Ths *ore GODERICli 524-7811 Aug 26 - Sept 01 Due to the August 21st Tornado The Park Theatre will be closed until damage can be assessed and the theatre can be safely re -opened. Right now ... we focus on rebuilding our community to its previous beauty. www.movielinks.ca 1-800-265-3438 titles under his belt, including The World's Finest Elvis Impersonator from the annual Elvis Extravaganza in Las Vegas, and Grand Champion of the world's largest annual Elvis contest in Collingwood, Ontario. LeBlanc genuinely personifies 'The King, which inspiteel co -creators Chris Mcllarge and Colin Stewart to bring this unique theatrical endeavour to life, Entertaining the crowds with his remarkable swagger and versatile voice, LeBlanc embodies the heart and soul of the legendary 11'14.D1)1 N(; .\l\ NOt i('l":NI 1''.N I' Jennison 1)att•r•ti ( 1.11 \ .\ 1{t'II1 1, 11111\.'11 ( 11.111.I 1{.'11,1 .11.' I'l.'.I't ti (tt .111111)1111.0 111t I.V111..'11111•. 1I1.1111.i 11„11.'11 .I.II1••Ill, I I\.Il(\ .1c,lrl ,Irllit I}I ,I(III s i,..,,1.\ 1.1 1'1,tt ..1,111 r 1..1, 1I.• . •,1I..1,.• •.111•, performer, who millions of fans continue to cherish to this day. From his renditions of "Love Me Tender", "Heartbreak lintel" and "Jallhouse Rock" to when he's singing "Viva Las Vegas", "In the Ghetto" and "Suspicious Minds", the audience simply can't get enough of LeBlanc's raw emotion. 'The audience takes a walk down memory lane but not without tapping toes, clapping and a whole lot of singing along. Backing up LeBlanc is an excellent band headed up by Colin Stewart on Bass, bean Harrison on Piano, John Kenny on Guitar, and Ted Peacock on Drums. Stewart also serves double duty as Music Director, and expertly leads the way through more than 40 of The King's greatest bits. 'This show Is 93 per cent sold out and that is a testament of how Elvis affected so many lives, The audience reaction was real- tears and laughter as theater -goers liked partic- ular songs to a personal experience. Heard at intermission were memories of going to a show, or watching every one of the movies or a romance connected to a song. It has been 34 years since Elvis died -hut to those in the new seats In Playhouse 11- this king will never die. Blare Suede Shoes runs until Sept. 3 inline lakeshoreadvance.com A'1" 1'ENTION READERS 'Bake advantage of our pricing for 1 1 1. HAPPY NOTES includes: Ilirthda)s, Anniversaries Weddings, Engagements, Grsaduatkons etc. HAPPY BIRTHDAY 1 (Nana Person) (Dale) ) 1.eave A1on1 & 1)ad 1 1 J Only $18.00 Plus H S:11'. Actual Size. Pre -Payment is Required .toed hying In your photo & write-up and we'll do the rest Other SIios R Tricor nvnllahle tam request 58 Ontario Si., N. Grand Bend (519) 238-5383