By Jenn McKee
I was only five years old when Elvis Presley died in 1977, but I remember my mother talking about how the iconic, hip-swiveling singer had made her and her friends swoon back in the '50s.
So I imagine that she would have enjoyed "Don't Be Cruel: The Life and Times of the King," now playing at Andiamo Novi Theatre. Starring Max Pellicano, the show tells the story of Elvis' life and career by way of video clips, photos, monologues, scenes (Pellicano's two supporting actors, who are also back-up singers, play various roles behind a back-lit screen), and musical performances.
The trick with a show like this, of course, is that it must provide the basics for non-fans, but it must also have something to offer for those already familiar with the backstory.
And the rise-to-fame tale is an interesting one, aided significantly by the show's multimedia elements. For instance, Elvis' first television appearance on "The Milton Berle Show" is disarming to watch. The short clip shows Elvis standing next to Berle, fidgeting and avoiding eye contact; and in this small but revealing moment, you see the vulnerability and nervousness that, when paired with Elvis' obvious musical talent, made him so instantly irresistible to young fans.
What's problematic is that following Elvis' explosive, early fame (and much-documented Army conscription), the clips that follow suggest that the winds of change, in the realm of pop music and politics, present Elvis with a challenge to stay culturally relevant in the 1960s and '70s. And yet, "Cruel"'s script doesn't really address this compelling problem with any kind of depth, making the disconnect between what we see on screen and Pellicano's narrative seem like a lost opportunity.
Even so, Pellicano performs several excerpts of Elvis' songs with considerable skill, impressively capturing the King's distinctive phrasing and timbre. The back-up band – revealed to perform a few full numbers at the show's end – is solid, as are the two supporting players/back-up singers.
Yes, Wednesday evening's performance was initially marred by microphone problems in the early going, but the rest of the show was technically sound, including its lighting design – which, in a nostalgia-laden show like this, is key. (Unfortunately, programs weren't available, so I can't name names.)
I'll confess that the conclusion of the narrative portion of the show was less-than-satisfying. (Something like, "During the last days before I died, it seemed like everything was falling apart." OK. That's a little general.) And Elvis' drug use was only briefly alluded to, despite the fact that it seemed a crucial element of his short life. But generally, I had a better time at "Cruel" than I expected to.
Why? Because I feared that the show would make me feel like I was watching an evening of cheesy, cruise line entertainment. And I did experience this a little, at the show's end, when Pellicano performed a few full numbers while wrapping scarves around the necks of nostalgic Elvis fans in the crowd. But because I was interested in the story that preceded this portion, I was far more tolerant of this built-in "encore" than I would otherwise be.
And Pellicano's playful attitude while performing goes a long way; he told a joke about the proliferation of Elvis impersonators, and pretended to wipe one of the neck-scarves on his armpit before lovingly giving it away.
So Elvis fans will likely have a great time at "Cruel" (though aren't there song titles that would more fittingly sum up Elvis' life?). I wasn't all shook up or anything, but I enjoyed myself.
And that's coming from a hard headed woman, folks.
REVIEW:
'Don't Be Cruel: The Life and Times of the King'
Andiamo Novi Theatre, 42705 Grand River Ave., Novi. $25-$35; Dinner & Show packages available Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday for $59.95 per couple. Wednesday-Sunday through Aug. 1. 248-348-4448.
