Elvis brought back to life on GBPAC stage

The music, costumes, and voice of Elvis were brought back to life this week at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center Tuesday in "Elvis Lives!", a tribute to the King. The hair, clothes, songs and even the crowd have stayed the same throughout the years – the only thing that has changed is the people making the music.

As the curtain came up and a film started to play, the audience grew quiet.  The film was a documentary of Elvis' life from his own perspective. It started off with his first performance as a child in Memphis, Tenn., then highlighted his high school years.

As that part of the film ended, the lights dropped down. The music grew louder and Elvis' jacket shined in the stage lights as he turned around and began to sing his first song of the night, making the audience go wild.

The first songs Elvis sang were from the 1950s, including "Heartbreak Hotel," "Blue Suede Shoes" and "Teddy Bear."

As his last song ended, it was back to the screen to hear Elvis talk about his Hollywood days. Another Elvis then took the stage for Blue Hawaii. This one sang songs such as "Rock-A-Hula Baby" and "Blue Hawaii."

Then it was time for Ann-Margret to join Elvis on stage with Viva Las Vegas. The two performers sang and reenacted the songs and scenes from the hit movie "Viva Las Vegas," which was much-loved by the foot-tapping audience.

After intermission, the screen came up and pictures of Elvis in his military uniform were displayed on the screen, highlighting the contrast between that aspect of Elvis' life and his well-known Hollywood "dream life."

The second act started with a third Elvis singing songs from "G.I. Blues," along with other songs he had performed before he was drafted.

The last Elvis entered the stage wearing one of the most iconic Elvis costumes – the long white jumpsuit and cape with the American eagle on the back. The costume matched the spirit of his patriotic songs "America the Beautiful" and "Battle Hymn of the Republic."

As all four of the actors from each era of Elvis' life entered the stage to sing their last song together. When they did, the audience stood up, cheering and applauding for the old King of Rock ‘n' Roll: Elvis Presley.