Performers audition for roles in Elvis musical

Press, 14 April 1987, Page 16

Performers audition for roles in Elvis musical

Fifteen performers took to the stage in Christchurch on Wednesday to audition for the part of Elvis Presley in the musical tribute, “Are You Lonesome Tonight?" As well, 25 people auditioned for other roles in the show, which will be staged by a Wellington production company, Encore Productions, Ltd. Auditioning began in Auckland last Saturday. Another South Island session was held in Dunedin yesterday. The tour manager, Ms Dianne Moffat, said the response to the national search for a cast had been overwhelming, 64 people auditioning for the part of Presley. Other roles included Presley’s

wife, Priscilla, their daughter, Lisa Marie, and Presley as a child, aged three. “We really have been quite surprised at the standards these people have shown. We have had some very good auditions from unknowns who have had little or no experience in acting and singing,” Ms Moffat said. “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” features two performers playing Elvis Presley, one aged 22, at the beginning of his career, and the other aged 42, just before his death 10 years ago. The show is based in the viewing room of Gracelands, Presley’s mansion in Memphis, and

will feature flashbacks to the early days of his career. Encore Production’s executive producer, Mr Dean Wheeler, said that about 10 people taking part in the preliminary auditions for the part of Elvis Presley would be recalled to a national audition in Wellington at Anzac Day week-end. Mr Wheeler said that a final list of cast members should be available by April 27. Rehearsals are due to begin in Wellington on May 11, and the show will begin its four-month tour with a premiere there on June 18. Christchurch performances will begin on July 15.