TBTS’s Heartbreak Hotel An Emotional Reminisince

Nearly 50 years after his death at the age of 42, Presley remains one of the most beloved musical icons in the world. 

As Elvis, Joe Hebel magnificently captures the King of Rock and Roll’s swagger, charisma, and sex appeal as he swivels his hips to the delight of teenage girls.

There are flashbacks to Elvis’ childhood (young Elvis is played by a wonderfully natural Laird LaCoste) where he grew up listening to blues and gospel performed by black musicians. Elvis later took those recordings and became a superstar.

The book by Sean Cercone and David Abbinanti doesn’t hesitate to show Elvis during his darkest moments. At one point, Elvis berates his backing musicians for not being able to perform to his standards.

There’s an affectionate montage devoted to Elvis’ film career, which featured the singer in a series of absurdly cheesy storylines.

The show also explores Elvis’s personal life, when he is confronted by his angry wife Priscilla (nicely played by Emma Wilcox) over tabloid stories about an alleged romance with his co-star Ann-Margret (Julia Fleckenstein).

Elvis and Ann-Margret radiate sizzling passion on the charmingly seductive “You’re the Boss.”

All of the classic hits are here, including “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and of course, “Heartbreak Hotel.”

Director/choreographer Nikki Snelson executes a series of dazzling dance sequences, featuring members of the ensemble doing backflips and handclaps. 

“This Train is Bound for Glory” is a high-energy gospel song performed by the Reverend Brewster (Malik Harris) and members of his congregation, which includes young Elvis.

There’s a sweet moment when Elvis sings “Can’t Help Falling In Love” while cradling his baby daughter Lisa Marie in his arms. 

Melanie Souza and Fred Sullivan, Jr. play Elvis’s parents, Gladys and Vernon, who gifted him with a guitar.

Gladys and Elvis had a tight-knit bond. She encouraged him to follow his dreams. 

The sequence where Elvis deals with the impending death of his mother is absolutely heart-wrenching due to the work of Souza and Hebel. The ensemble gives a stirring performance of “Peace in the Valley” which reflects the intense pain Elvis is enduring. It’s an enthralling close to Act One of the show.

Following his appearances in “Waitress” and “Hairspray,” Kevin McGlynn gives another strong performance as Elvis’ longtime manager, Colonel Tom Parker.

Parker is seen as a ruthless taskmaster, pushing Elvis into making a series of cheesy movies in order to maintain his stardom. 

In the late 1960s, Parker bluntly informs Elvis that his records just aren’t selling anymore. Artists like John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix, and Bob Dylan were breaking new ground musically. Compared to them, Elvis was yesterday’s news. 

After Parker leaves the room, Elvis walks over to a cart stocked with alcohol and pours himself a glass. In the last years of his life, Elvis became addicted to drugs. They would prove to be his undoing.

“Heartbreak Hotel” concludes with Elvis’ triumphant television special in 1968. The legend proved he had some vitality left in him. The “King” would not go quietly into the night. In fact, he will live forever.

Heartbreak Hotel runs through September 14 at Theatre By the Sea.  364 Cards Pond Road, Wakefield. Tickets are $65 – $91 for all performances (additional fees may apply). Tickets are on sale at the box office Monday through Saturday from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm and performance days from 11:00 am until curtain, (performance Sundays 12 noon until curtain), online 24-hours-a-day at www.theatrebythesea.com and by phone during normal box office hours by calling (401) 782-TKTS (8587).

Author: Joe Siegel

Joe Siegel is a regular contributing writer for WarwickPost.com. His reporting has appeared in The Sun Chronicle in Attleboro and EDGE.