Hal Wallis once said “An Elvis picture is the only sure thing in Hollywood.” The same might be said of “Viva ELVIS Cirque du Soleil,” one of the few sure bets in a struggling Las Vegas today.
I had the great pleasure of attending the world premiere of this highly-anticipated show in Vegas last Friday night. Waiting for the show to begin, I have to admit I was skeptical and even a bit apprehensive; I’ve been disappointed so many times in the past thirty-two years. But then, this was Cirque du Soleil, known for their creativity and professionalism, so perhaps they would surprise me. Yet how could anyone or any show possibly capture and convey the magic of Elvis? The set designer for the show, Mark Fisher, acknowledged the challenge they faced in creating this show when he said, “Elvis has transcended reality and become a kind of mythic figure.”
Look, we all know only too well that Elvis has left the building and no one can truly bring him back. But to my utter amazement and great joy I soon realized that – in a unique and spectacular way - I was experiencing Elvis once more, sitting there in the Elvis Theater at the Aria Resort and Casino. In an eye-popping extravaganza, he dances, laughs, sings and goofs as he explodes on a massive screen. What a brilliant move, bypassing the use of any male singers for live renditions of his songs. Elvis plays Elvis, coming to life as never before. His image on the huge screen above the stage is so compelling, I had to force my eyes to look at the stage to watch the amazing performers. And they are truly amazing dancers, gymnastic-acrobats and singers, all united in Cirque du Soleil’s celebration of Elvis’ remarkable legacy.
The show hits the highlights in Elvis’ life and career, taking us on a journey that includes his musical roots in the southern church, his youthful fascination with comic superheroes, his army years, his love affair with Hollywood and his own movie career, culminating in his record-setting Las Vegas triumph.
On a personal level his relationship with Priscilla and their wedding are beautifully and gracefully portrayed. I loved the aerial ballet of two couples floating above the stage in wedding rings.
One of the most poignant and intimate moments was when “Viva ELVIS” soars into metaphor in a tender rendition of the ballad “One Night With You”. Two young men that we recognize as Elvis and Jesse Garon execute soulful acrobatics, alone and together, on a guitar-shaped apparatus suspended in front of a starry night.
“Viva ELVIS” is truly a spectacle, theatrically and dramatically chronicling Elvis’ musical biography. Rockin’ good music, breathtaking acrobats and dancers, dazzling sets and costumes play off stunning archival footage and iconic images of Elvis, making this the perfect experience. I left the theater feeling totally satisfied…yet wanting more.
Monday, March 1, 2010
11/11/09
I just completed filming an interview for the BBC1 special that will air in the UK in January, for Elvis’ birthday. I was also interviewed for a six-part BBC Radio series “The Elvis Presley Trail,” which will air around the same time – but this one will also be available for all of us on the Internet. I’ll let you know when I have more details.
All this interest in Elvis coming from another part of the world got me thinking. Elvis was so completely and essentially American, yet his appeal is universal. In a way, he represents this country and what is great and good about it.
Elvis lived the American dream. He rose from the most desperate poverty of the Depression to unprecedented fame and fortune that never diminished. He also embodied the American spirit; he was optimistic, brash, daring and certainly a pioneer. Just like America, Elvis embraced everyone; whether it was a President, an office worker or a janitor, everyone was treated equally by him.
After all these years Elvis still inspires and touches millions of lives around the world. Many who weren’t even born when he left us. Elvis’ image, his music and the force of his personality continue as a vibrant, living presence.
Elvis goes beyond being a legend; he’s an historic icon. Yet one of the great ironies of his extraordinary life can be revealed in a comment he once made, “I wonder,” he said quietly…”I wonder if I’ll ever be remembered?”
I think it’s safe to say that we all remember him, and love him for the great human being he was – uniquely American, yet belonging to the world.
All this interest in Elvis coming from another part of the world got me thinking. Elvis was so completely and essentially American, yet his appeal is universal. In a way, he represents this country and what is great and good about it.
Elvis lived the American dream. He rose from the most desperate poverty of the Depression to unprecedented fame and fortune that never diminished. He also embodied the American spirit; he was optimistic, brash, daring and certainly a pioneer. Just like America, Elvis embraced everyone; whether it was a President, an office worker or a janitor, everyone was treated equally by him.
After all these years Elvis still inspires and touches millions of lives around the world. Many who weren’t even born when he left us. Elvis’ image, his music and the force of his personality continue as a vibrant, living presence.
Elvis goes beyond being a legend; he’s an historic icon. Yet one of the great ironies of his extraordinary life can be revealed in a comment he once made, “I wonder,” he said quietly…”I wonder if I’ll ever be remembered?”
I think it’s safe to say that we all remember him, and love him for the great human being he was – uniquely American, yet belonging to the world.
9/22/09
No matter where I’ve lived over the years, Memphis has always been like a second home to me. I have so many wonderful memories of time spent there with Elvis: talking, reading, playing, doing his hair, going to the movies in the middle of the night…all good stuff. Yet I also have the saddest, most painful memory of all: preparing his hair for the funeral and saying my last goodbye. Lots of emotion connected with that city.
I always look forward to Elvis Week in Memphis. It’s a whirlwind of re-connecting with many fans and friends, meeting new ones and reliving cherished memories that emerge so vividly and freely; the past and the present seamlessly and flawlessly woven together.
What really struck such a deep cord within me this time was that after all these years, Elvis still inspires and touches millions of people around the world, many of whom weren’t even born when he left us. His image, his music and the force of his personality continue as a vibrant, living presence.
Marian Cocke’s annual banquet at the Peabody was a huge success, raising lots of money for charity. Shira and I sat with George Klein, Mark James and his wife Karen, DJ Fontana and his wife Karen. Shira and I always get a vegetarian meal. This time it was the best one yet: pasta primavera with vegetables – absolutely delicious.
The entertainment was outstanding! After the raffle and auction, Terry Mike Jeffrey took the stage and rocked on for at least an hour. Then he brought up the Jordanaires who sang their hearts out. What a special treat it was when Duke Mason came up and sang a few songs; he’s a huge talent and the audience loved him.
As usual when in Memphis (and sometimes by phone during the year) I was on Sirius Radio on George Klein’s show, this time twice. He and Jim Sykes are such professionals, and it’s a delight to work with them. I’ve never been to Memphis during Elvis Week when I didn’t speak at George’s annual Memorial for Elvis at the University of Memphis. It’s the last thing I do before leaving for the airport, and it’s a wonderful wrap-up to the week.
For me, though, as I’m sure for every fan, the emotional highlight of any Elvis Week is the candlelight vigil at Graceland. Walking up the driveway to the meditation garden was so moving, reaching deep into the soul of each person there. Elvis broke our hearts, but he filled them with joy as well.
This year held a special meaning and experience for me. It was the premiere for “At The Gates” a documentary that was made by my son Kiara Geller and his partners in Echo House Entertainment, Keith Evans and Walter Procek. They have created a great work that is very revealing and entertaining, offering a new insight into Elvis and his fans. The premiere was held on August 12th at the Memphian Theater, a place that holds many memories for me and for Elvis’ other friends, and even some privileged fans. The audience was very responsive; some wept, all cheered, and their comments after the film were uniformly enthusiastic.
I can’t finish this blog without offering kudos to the fabulous girls of Pink Caddy Entertainment: Cathy Hernandez, Kari Lugo and Darlene Perez. They handled all the promotion for the Echo House documentary, and they arranged a book signing for me at Marlowe’s, where I had the chance to meet with many more wonderful Elvis fans.
I always look forward to Elvis Week in Memphis. It’s a whirlwind of re-connecting with many fans and friends, meeting new ones and reliving cherished memories that emerge so vividly and freely; the past and the present seamlessly and flawlessly woven together.
What really struck such a deep cord within me this time was that after all these years, Elvis still inspires and touches millions of people around the world, many of whom weren’t even born when he left us. His image, his music and the force of his personality continue as a vibrant, living presence.
Marian Cocke’s annual banquet at the Peabody was a huge success, raising lots of money for charity. Shira and I sat with George Klein, Mark James and his wife Karen, DJ Fontana and his wife Karen. Shira and I always get a vegetarian meal. This time it was the best one yet: pasta primavera with vegetables – absolutely delicious.
The entertainment was outstanding! After the raffle and auction, Terry Mike Jeffrey took the stage and rocked on for at least an hour. Then he brought up the Jordanaires who sang their hearts out. What a special treat it was when Duke Mason came up and sang a few songs; he’s a huge talent and the audience loved him.
As usual when in Memphis (and sometimes by phone during the year) I was on Sirius Radio on George Klein’s show, this time twice. He and Jim Sykes are such professionals, and it’s a delight to work with them. I’ve never been to Memphis during Elvis Week when I didn’t speak at George’s annual Memorial for Elvis at the University of Memphis. It’s the last thing I do before leaving for the airport, and it’s a wonderful wrap-up to the week.
For me, though, as I’m sure for every fan, the emotional highlight of any Elvis Week is the candlelight vigil at Graceland. Walking up the driveway to the meditation garden was so moving, reaching deep into the soul of each person there. Elvis broke our hearts, but he filled them with joy as well.
This year held a special meaning and experience for me. It was the premiere for “At The Gates” a documentary that was made by my son Kiara Geller and his partners in Echo House Entertainment, Keith Evans and Walter Procek. They have created a great work that is very revealing and entertaining, offering a new insight into Elvis and his fans. The premiere was held on August 12th at the Memphian Theater, a place that holds many memories for me and for Elvis’ other friends, and even some privileged fans. The audience was very responsive; some wept, all cheered, and their comments after the film were uniformly enthusiastic.
I can’t finish this blog without offering kudos to the fabulous girls of Pink Caddy Entertainment: Cathy Hernandez, Kari Lugo and Darlene Perez. They handled all the promotion for the Echo House documentary, and they arranged a book signing for me at Marlowe’s, where I had the chance to meet with many more wonderful Elvis fans.
7/20/09
Elvis is known throughout the world as the King of Rock ‘n Roll. Yet he transcended that genre, his musical genius and his magical voice conquering gospel, rhythm and blues, country, rockabilly and even pop. As if that wasn’t enough, he was also a major movie star. Yet Elvis always shied away from that title bestowed upon him by the world: the fans and the media.
One evening in 1965, as I was styling his hair upstairs at Graceland, Elvis and I were talking about certain aspects of his career. We started discussing all the various styles and categories of music that he’s known for. All of a sudden Elvis leaned forward in his chair and said, “Ya know Larry, people call me the king, like I invented rock n’ roll or something. No way man, no way. It all goes way, way back to the days in the old Deep South when the slaves were working and slaving their lives away. I mean those poor old people knew what real pain an’ suffering was all about. They used to sing and pour out their hearts to God just to get through the day. That’s where most of our real gospel music comes from. When the sun came up to when it went down, they sang and made up the words as they went along, in the cotton fields an’ plantations. And their slave music found its way right into their churches; then white folks picked up on it and began singing the slave songs in their own way in their churches. Then music began to change and went beyond the churches and grew into honky-tonk and Dixieland. Then it spread north to St. Louis and Chicago where the blues and jazz took off; then in our times it evolved into rhythm n’ blues then rock ‘n roll. The truth is, I was just lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time - and all I did was to take their music and introduce it to a white audience.”
I remember one night in Las Vegas in December of 1976. We just gotten into the elevator that went up to Elvis’ penthouse at the Hilton International. Two girls ran up and excitedly yelled out, “Elvis you’re the king!” As the doors were closing he smiled and pointed upwards. “There’s only one King. I might be in the saddle but I’m not on the throne.”
One evening in 1965, as I was styling his hair upstairs at Graceland, Elvis and I were talking about certain aspects of his career. We started discussing all the various styles and categories of music that he’s known for. All of a sudden Elvis leaned forward in his chair and said, “Ya know Larry, people call me the king, like I invented rock n’ roll or something. No way man, no way. It all goes way, way back to the days in the old Deep South when the slaves were working and slaving their lives away. I mean those poor old people knew what real pain an’ suffering was all about. They used to sing and pour out their hearts to God just to get through the day. That’s where most of our real gospel music comes from. When the sun came up to when it went down, they sang and made up the words as they went along, in the cotton fields an’ plantations. And their slave music found its way right into their churches; then white folks picked up on it and began singing the slave songs in their own way in their churches. Then music began to change and went beyond the churches and grew into honky-tonk and Dixieland. Then it spread north to St. Louis and Chicago where the blues and jazz took off; then in our times it evolved into rhythm n’ blues then rock ‘n roll. The truth is, I was just lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time - and all I did was to take their music and introduce it to a white audience.”
I remember one night in Las Vegas in December of 1976. We just gotten into the elevator that went up to Elvis’ penthouse at the Hilton International. Two girls ran up and excitedly yelled out, “Elvis you’re the king!” As the doors were closing he smiled and pointed upwards. “There’s only one King. I might be in the saddle but I’m not on the throne.”
6/30/09
Watching the extensive news coverage about Michael Jackson this past week, I was struck by the loneliness at the core of Michael's life despite all the fans and all the handlers and assistants that surrounded him. Of course, a number of people made references and comparisons to Elvis’ passing.
All this has stirred within me so many memories from my years with Elvis, and some of our conversations about his life and what he was experiencing. Elvis loved his life and the position he was in. With his playful sense of humor he would smile, "You know they say it's lonely at the top - but I'll tell you what....I love that lonesome feeling."
Yet deep down Elvis experienced an existential longing that couldn't be filled by millions of fans, close friends, fame nor fortune. One night in Las Vegas during the last year of his life he said to me,” Lawrence, you know I have feelings flowing through my veins just like everyone else. I'm human. I'd love to get married again and have more children. Don't you think that I'd love to find my soul mate?" His voice and the look on his face reflected a heart full of sadness and passion. "I want you to put yourself in my shoes, and think about this. How could I ever know for sure if a woman is in love with me - or Elvis Presley? How could I really know for sure?"
"Elvis as far as I'm concerned you've only had one, real lasting love affair.."
He looked puzzled. "Who is that Lawrence?"
"Your fans, Elvis, the public; that's been the great, lasting love affair of your life."
A smile slowly stole over his face. “You're right, you're right; and I've paid a heavy price for it. More than anyone knows…but I wouldn't change it for the world."
All this has stirred within me so many memories from my years with Elvis, and some of our conversations about his life and what he was experiencing. Elvis loved his life and the position he was in. With his playful sense of humor he would smile, "You know they say it's lonely at the top - but I'll tell you what....I love that lonesome feeling."
Yet deep down Elvis experienced an existential longing that couldn't be filled by millions of fans, close friends, fame nor fortune. One night in Las Vegas during the last year of his life he said to me,” Lawrence, you know I have feelings flowing through my veins just like everyone else. I'm human. I'd love to get married again and have more children. Don't you think that I'd love to find my soul mate?" His voice and the look on his face reflected a heart full of sadness and passion. "I want you to put yourself in my shoes, and think about this. How could I ever know for sure if a woman is in love with me - or Elvis Presley? How could I really know for sure?"
"Elvis as far as I'm concerned you've only had one, real lasting love affair.."
He looked puzzled. "Who is that Lawrence?"
"Your fans, Elvis, the public; that's been the great, lasting love affair of your life."
A smile slowly stole over his face. “You're right, you're right; and I've paid a heavy price for it. More than anyone knows…but I wouldn't change it for the world."
6/21/09
Really thinking about my dad today. I miss him more now than ever; he passed away in 1994. I'll never forget how he and Elvis would talk on the set of Frankie & Johnny. We were filming at night at Samuel Goldwyn studios and my dad loved to come around and watch. He enjoyed having something in common with Elvis; in the late 1920's and early thirties my dad was a musician. He played harmonica and toured the country with his group The Ragamuffins in vaudeville. Later he was asked to join the biggest harmonica group in the country, The Harmonicats. My dad had some great stories about that time, and some juicy stories of some of the stars of that era. So for several nights between scenes they would stand there in lively conversation. I have to laugh because my dad said to me, "Boy, Elvis sure asks a lot of questions - does he do that with you as well?"
I have one more thought this Father's Day. Elvis loved being a father; Lisa Marie was the joy of his life. Towards the end of his life he spoke many times about how much he wanted to have another child, especially a son.
I have one more thought this Father's Day. Elvis loved being a father; Lisa Marie was the joy of his life. Towards the end of his life he spoke many times about how much he wanted to have another child, especially a son.
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