Elvis Presley was a force of nature and radiated on stage like no other performer. His gyrating moves and sultry voice captured the hearts of young women around the world and today he is one of the most profiled artists in history.
Elvis in Concert pays homage to the legend and the Australian tour will portray Elvis in his heyday. The tribute show staring Shawn Klush and Cody Slaughter and featuring
The Sweet Temptations is unlike any other international show.
Film News recently caught up with Paul Fenech, the show creator and promoter to discuss the difficulties in casting Elvis and what fans can expect to see.
“My aim is to make these concerts different to any other previous concerts and to ensure Elvis fans see something considerably different and memorable”, explains Paul.
Film News - What can you tell me about Elvis In Concert? Elvis in Concert is a new concept where we try to recreate a concert or live studio performance. We use only the best Elvis look a likes from around the world. The guys we are bringing to Australia are the best in the USA, and we will be recreating the stage to make it feel like you are actually there in concert with Elvis.
Film News - There are countless Elvis tribute shows, what sets your show apart from the rest? Our concerts work with international acts. Our venues are top line 5 star concert venues and we work with a huge backing band and choir that you would never normally see at any Australian based Elvis shows.
Film News - Considering that Elvis was a force of nature, is it difficult casting your show? Its very difficult finding the best Elvis Tribute acts. However, we do work closely with the ‘Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contests’ (UETAC) and from there, we usually get a good idea of who are the best at that time. These contests are run and managed by Elvis Presley Enterprises and they hold these contests annually worldwide to find the best of the best.
Film News - What can you tell me about Shawn Klush and Cody Slaughter? How much time do we have? Shawn was the very first Elvis to win the UETAC. He also went on to win the BBC Worlds best Elvis held in the UK and he specializes in the later years Elvis from about 1969-1975. He is probably the closest looking to Elvis and vocally also is very close. You could watch a video of Shawn performing and you would almost think it was a live recording of Elvis. Cody Slaughter won the UETAC back in 2012. He is a ‘spiting’ image of Elvis when he was a young 23 year old. Cody resembles Elvis in so many ways including being only a 23 yr old himself, good looks like Elvis, tall and all the characteristics and mannerism of Elvis back in the 1950’s. Cody also performs in the Million Dollar Quartet, a huge production with Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash. Cody Slaughter is regarded as the best ‘young Elvis’ in the world.
Film News - Your show has sustained longevity, what do you attribute this to? Elvis has grown in popularity and even after 35 years since his death, people still want more. People are fascinated about Elvis and whenever we tour the worlds best, people want to see them.
Film News - The show features The Sweet Inspirations, including Elvis’ original backing singer Estelle Brown. Can you tell me more about this? Estelle Brown actually sang for Elvis from 1969 through to 1977 at his last concert. She was part of a group known as the Sweet Inspirations. Estelle has been on many recordings including backing vocals for Aretha Franklin and many more artists. Estelle will backing Shawn Klush as she did when Elvis performed live over 35 yrs ago.
Film News - What can fans expect when the come to see the show? The biggest Elvis production and the closest to an Elvis concert ever.
TOUR DATESThur 3rd & Fri 4th APRIL 2014
The Palms at Crown, Melbourne
Sat 5th APRIL 2014
State Theatre, Sydney
Sun 6th APRIL 2014
Jupiters Theatre, Gold Coast
For more information visit: http://www.elvisinconcert.com.au/ 
