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A tribute act to Elvis with a loyal followingSummary
Rating
Good
The Elvis Years, a tribute evening of Elvis hits performed in chronological order by Mario Kombou, has turned twenty. To mark the milestone, it brings two dates to the West End, where it all started.
The same musical director who, in 2004, created the stage musical version of one of Elvis’ first films, Jailhouse Rock, conceived the idea of a production that was much lighter in props and cast but still big on sound. This could then tour energetically, reaching venues seldom touched by West End glamour. It turned out to be a financially and artistically wise bet by David MacKay, as The Elvis Years has enjoyed remarkable longevity compared to its musical predecessor, whose West End run ended after 18 months.
This show – more song evening than musical – sees Neil Bullock, Simon Parrish, Stephen Gray, and John Joce accompany Kombou as backing vocals and band for 70 dates a year around the UK. It’s a testament to a remarkable work ethic and commitment to the Presley songbook and fan base. Shaking fans’ hands in the stalls, handing out Elvis scarves, singalong moments and calling out names and birthdays of members of the audience are all part of the package. While this show is unlikely to bring Elvis to Gen Z, a loyal fan base sold out the Dominion Theatre on its February date.
Kombou lives the part and artfully evolves his posture to mirror the aging-arc of his model. From a shy boy entering his hometown Sun Studio in Memphis to record his first song, we watch as he turns into the star signed up by RCA Recording and guest on the prime time TV Ed Sullivan Show, jittery leg and all. Finally, we see him physically resemble a tired Elvis in his later years, resorting to singing “I’m All Shook Up” while sitting on a chair.
Hair, sideburns and costumes are all meticulously faithful to the originals, as shown by clips from concert footage projected against a stage-wide back screen. This is also where all of the backdrop changes happen and the way much of the narrative between the songs is provided, linking these to Elvis’ personal events and to the historical background. Through a fictitious Memphis DJ, in a low-tech black and white film for the early years and later in colour to mark the passage of time, we learn of Elvis’ US Army years in Germany, of his mother’s passing, of the movies he’d be starring in and, finally, of his concert in Las Vegas, one of his last appearances. There is precious little else on the stage apart from microphones, the instrument stands and a few chairs: all in line with the travel-light-and-go far philosophy inspiring this production.
Bullock at the drums is a powerhouse, driving forward the entire crew with amazing energy and without pause, while Parrish on bass guitar produces a reliable beat as well as contributing entertaining bass-baritone counterpoints to Kombou’s vocals. Gray is an accomplished, virtuoso lead guitar, while Joce works the keyboard and an acoustic guitar with gusto and passion.
Even if this is not the evening for you, you will almost certainly know someone for whom it will be a welcome present and the next best thing to meeting their childhood idol.
Musical Direction and Produced by: David MacKay
The Elvis Years is on tour throughout the UK until November. Full dates and bookings can be found here.
