A KING'S BIO-MUSICAL

Opening night at the Gold Coast's HOTA saw the Queensland premiere of Elvis: A Musical Revolution, a high-energy and fast-paced celebration of the life and legacy of the King of Rock 'n' Roll.

This award-winning musical is a heartfelt homage to one of music's greatest icons, delivered by a stellar cast and crew who bring Elvis' story to life with passion and precision. Presented in partnership with Authentic Brands Group, owner of Elvis Presley Enterprises, it delivers a vivid portrayal of Elvis Presley’s journey from his humble beginnings in Tupelo, Mississippi, to his legendary '68 Comeback Special.

The all-Australian cast, featuring a host of triple-threat Queenslanders, brought palpable charisma to the stage.

Rob Mallett, the show's leading man, dazzled in the iconic role of Elvis Presley. Mallett's performance was nothing short of electrifying, showcasing his range from the tender moments of "Can't Help Falling In Love" to the energetic "Jailhouse Rock". Landing the role from over 700 other hopefuls, Mallett truly captivated the audience with his remarkable vocal and dance skills.

Ian Stenlake, a familiar face from Stingers and Sea Patrol, embodied the complex character of Colonel Parker with finesse, adding depth to the portrayal of Elvis’ controversial manager.

Kirby Burgess’ notable performance as Ann-Margaret almost stole the show with her spellbinding talent.

Real magic is created with Declan O’Neill’s lighting design and Dan Potra’s set design in this bio-musical. This magic was key to the seamless changes between pivotal moments in the Elvis’ timeline.

The musical’s direction, by David Abbinanti, wove together over 40 of Elvis’ greatest hits, including "Hound Dog", "Suspicious Minds", and "Heartbreak Hotel". The choreography, by Michael Ralph, was a dazzling display of precision and flair, perfectly complementing the pulsating score orchestrated by David Abbinanti.

Directed by Alister Smith and produced by David Venn, Elvis: A Musical Revolution is a must-see for fans of all ages. The show runs until 7 July 2024, so be sure to catch this spectacular production at HOTA.