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… Runs with the Funniest Moment in the Show …

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Marcia Kash:
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Discovering ELvis: Affectionately Lampooning the Elvis Impersonators

Victoria Playhouse Petrolia

by Brian Hay

What a hoot!

That's the only way to describe the production of 'Discovering Elvis" that's currently playing at the Victoria playhouse.

There isn't a weak singer in the cast. Having a female "Elvis" was a stretch to say the least. But it worked. Daphne Moens (as Cathy) captures Presley's essence, especially his physical mannerisms, well. Terry Barma (as "Marty") depicts the Presley of the Vegas era. And he wasn't afraid to go over the top with the King's body language. Dylan Juckes captured the Presley of the '50's and he had the man's movements honed to perfection. He also had the strongest range of all the singers. Juckes Phi Bulani (as Rick) presented the leather-clad phenomenon from the '68 "Comeback" Special. In contrast to the others he played it (almost) completely straight. And he did it well. There were times when he could have passed as a legitimate Presley Impersonator.

The rest of the cast is just as strong. Jenny Hall literally stole the first act with her performance as a stalking psycho with a fixation for Presley Impersonators. Her manners, timing and delivery of dialogue were great. And her facial expressions were hilarious. Cindy Carleton brings a wonderful combination of naivety and shyness to the role of the mousy hostess turned Mistress of Ceremonies. She also gets what has to be the single funniest moment of the entire production. And it is a side-splitter.

The stage design, lighting, costumes and Direction by Jackie Chau, Louise Guinand, Julie McGill and Robert More respectively are all exemplary. (Jackie) Chau's set designs provide effective backdrops without obstructing visibility or movement. (Louise) Guinand's lighting captures the atmosphere of both a motel room and a night club well. (Julie) McGill's choice of costumes help breathe life into the character's "real" lives and their stage personalities. And Robert More's direction keeps the pace brisk. He gives the characters plenty of motion but does so without interfering with the dialogue.

The play itself (by Marcia Kash) is hilarious; it would be funny just to sit and read. The dialogue is witty and outrageous. The visual presentation is hilarious. The story captures the insanity of the mantra that surrounds the Elvis myth beautifully. But there's real warmth in the material as well. And it's the kind that could only come from a fan. That makes it into a thing of true beauty.

This is a production that can be enjoyed by almost anyone. It's well worth seeing.

"Discovering Elvis" runs at the Victoria Playhouse in Petrolia from July 1, 2008 through to July 19, 2008. This review refers to the performance that took place on Friday, July 11, 2008.