03 April 2014 (gig)
04 April 2014
Elvis Viva Las Vegas kicked off at Crown Casino last night to an ecstatic crowd filled with Elvis look-a-likes and adoring women. Opening night in Australia took the audience back to a bygone era when Elvis dominated the airwaves and stole the hearts of women around the world.
The lively show starring Shawn Klush and Cody Slaughter portrayed Elvis in his heyday and also featured the sensational Sweet Temptations, including Elvis’ original back-up singer Estelle Brown.
Tribute artist Cody Slaughter launched the evening with “Shake Rattle & Roll” and continued with a non-stop array of hits including “Love Me Tender “and “Teddy Bear”. Slaughter is considered to be one of the most talented, young Elvis Tribute Artist’s in the world and his resemblance to Elvis; especially his side profile is uncanny. Throughout Slaughter’s set, women continually flung themselves at him as he gyrated across the stage.
In the second act, Shawn Klush, the winner of the Inaugural Ultimate contest and the World’s Best Elvis, depicted Elvis in the later years. Klush was pitch perfect and hit all the rights notes, especially when he sung ‘Like a Bridge Over Troubled Water’ and my personal favourite “Cant Help Falling in Love”. A choir joined Klush on stage for “In The Ghetto” adding to the magic that is Viva Las Vegas.
The Sweet Tempations, Estelle Brown, Portia Griffin and Kelly Jones provided both Slaughter and Klush with spectacular backing vocal throughout the show. The incredible power of their voices and presence on stage was palpable. Estelle Brown sang for Elvis from 1969 through to 1977 and has worked with the likes of Aretha Franklin and Dusty Springfield.
In a previous interview, Paul Fenech, the show creator and promoter stated.“My aim is to make these concerts different to any other previous concerts and to ensure Elvis fans see something considerably different and memorable”.
Overall, an unforgettable show and a must-see for all Elvis fans.
Tour Dates
Sat 5th APRIL 2014
State Theatre, Sydney
Sun 6th APRIL 2014
Jupiters Theatre, Gold Coast
