When it comes to Elvis, nothing is done by halves. Not his legacy, his music, the audacious outfits or the continuing preservation of his legend. For this reason the Elvis: The Wonder of You concert could only be a spectacular event, thankfully for thousands of Elvis fans it lovingly delivered a high class show that was not only respectful but also a fitting way to mark the 40th year of Elvis’ passing.

This was really the closest many fans will ever see Elvis Presley, which makes you wonder if this is how superstars will remaining touring long after they’re gone. And on one rare occasion this was also a situation where the cheaper seats may have trumped those closer to the stage. The setup included the 40 piece Perth Symphony Orchestra, and 4 state of the art screens to give an all encompassing experience fit for The King. Being further back allowed the viewer to take in everything the production was offering and there was a lot to absorb.

Photo by KLowe Photography

Using footage that included his 1968 comeback special, and subsequent 1973 concert in Hawaii the setlist focussed primarily on Elvis’ latter work which took heavily from Rn’B and soul music. Hats off to the engineers because the way they’ve isolated the vocal track is nothing less than impressive. Clear, crisp, without a lot of apparent echo Elvis’ voice melded seamlessly with the orchestra whose timing through A Big Hunk O’ Love and I Just Can’t Help Believing was sprightly and bright. Conductor Chong Lim has a lot of experience as a musical director, which was on show as he lead the orchestra through many of the lavish arrangements. And they are lavish –  eliciting sighs of praise from the audience but it’s hardly rock n’ roll.

The inclusion of intermission was a welcome break allowing for a breather. As the second act began, presenter Jerry Schilling, one of Elvis’ entourage and ‘Memphis Mafia’ member came into the audience, engaging in a very awkward meet-and-greet. With Schilling making his way around the floor, gushing about the legend and stiffly greeting audience members, at its conclusion one audience member scoffed “Well that was weird.”

I had hoped that perhaps now we would get a chance to see the rebel, the innovator and the often described rock n roll ‘messiah’. Things looked good when the clear-eyed stare of Elvis, from the comeback special, began Trouble followed by breakout hit That’s All Right, and then Hound Dog and All Shook Up. The early hits showed the magic and energy of the singer who became the inspiration of so many from The Beatles, Mick Jagger to Bob Dylan however this focus didn’t last very long as the concert steered back to the opulent rhinestone, jumpsuit clad Elvis.

There were a number of the sentimental pulpy songs like Memories that had the mind wandering but overall it all it was a lesson on the immense number of classics Elvis had under his huge jewel encrusted belt. Can’t Help Falling In Love, a Bridge Over Trouble Waters rendition and a pompous version of Glory Glory Hallelujah blew away the fans that were already so enamoured. Still jumpsuit Elvis could still rock it out as proven with Suspicious Minds. As he gyrated and hand pumped his way through the song, the orchestra slowly climbed to a crescendo that was so full, glitzy and fantastic you’d swear for a moment you were sitting front and centre at his Las Vegas show.

Then suddenly it all came to a close with one ‘encore’. Walking out past those with Graceland t-shirts, hand knitted Elvis jumpers and fading Elvis tattoos the consensus appeared to be that the night was fantastic. The show was an entertaining first class production that would amaze any fan from the fanatic to the admirer, allowing for a rare glimpse into the powerhouse entertainer.

The show continues on throughout Australia, details in the links below.