The Hallé can’t wait to work with Lee Memphis King when he joins the orchestra for Viva Las Vegas, a concert celebrating Elvis’s 1969-1977 tour of North America with an orchestra – and we’re bringing that experience to Manchester. We asked Lee a few questions in advance of the show.

 

What can audiences expect from this show and what does the live orchestra bring to Elvis’s songs?

They can expect to hear Elvis’s music as they have never heard it before! During his Las Vegas residency and touring years (1969 – 1977) Elvis performed with a massive, multi layered musical ensemble that combined his rock and roll band with a full orchestra and backing singers to give his shows a grand, cinematic, dramatic sound. I have always wanted to recreate this and in fact we are lucky enough to do so with an orchestra twice the size of the one Elvis toured with. The orchestra adds so much to the songs and the audience are in for a real treat.

What was special about the North America tour of 1969-1977 which has inspired this show?

It’s the most memorable to all who know Elvis. He performed most of his best-known songs during this period and he changed the arrangements to bring them to life in a new and exciting way. He also wore his iconic jumpsuits during this time to give the shows even more prestige and excitement.

 

How long have you been a fan of Elvis and how did you become an Elvis tribute artist?

Ever since I was about five years old and saw an Elvis film on TV, I became obsessed with listening to his songs and trying to emulate him. It has been a lifelong passion and desire to be on stage. If there were such a thing as fate, then I was destined to do what I did.

 

Do you have a favourite song either to listen to and/or to perform?

I like the more obscure songs such as ‘And the Grass Won’t Pay No Mind’ and ‘Let it Be Me’.

 

Why do you think Elvis’s legacy has stood the test of time?

A great song will always be a great song, and he was an incredible performer with effortless charisma and appeal.

 

What are you most looking forward to about the show?

Performing with the orchestra and bringing all those songs to life with that wall of sound. I want the audience to leave and appreciate what they have just witnessed and for it to stay with them forever.

 

Tell us about the costumes and perfecting the look – are they replicas of Elvis’s stage costumes and how long does it take to get stage-ready?

My costumes were made by Gene Doucette, who designed Elvis’s iconic stage jumpsuits. Great lengths are made with the wigs and make up to be as authentic as I can possibly be.