DES MOINES CIVIC CENTER
THE CAST
Jeff Chelesvig, President & CEO
1950’s ELVIS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DEAN Z 2013 ULTIMATE ELVIS
On Stage Touring, LLC presents
MOVIE ELVIS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LEO DAYS
A Des Moines Performing Arts Theater
‘68 COMEBACK ELVIS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . leo days
®
CONCERT YEARS ELVIS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BILL CHERRY 2009 ULTIMATE ELVIS
TOURING MUSICIANS BASS PLAYER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BRAHM SHERAY DRUMS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ELI HLUDZIK GUITAR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kris BROWN KEYBOARDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LAWRENCE FELDnER ENSEMBLE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JUSTIN CLARK ENSEMBLE / ANN-MARGRET. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ELISHA MARIE JONES The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Event
ENSEMBLE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . STEPHANIE RICHARDSON
with
ENSEMBLE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BUCKY HEARD
DEAN Z • LEO DAYS • BILL CHERRY
Original Conception/Direction GINA CAPECCI
Staging/Choreography TONI LEE
Music Director BRAHM SHERAY
General Manager ELLIOT ORDOWER
Wardrobe HILARY CALDWELL
Sound Design LEE PEPPER
Elvis Lives is presented through special arrangement with Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. Graceland Estate, Memphis, TN. © Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc. Elvis, ELVIS, ULTIMATE ELVIS TRIBUTE ARTIST CONTEST and ELVIS LIVES LOGO are trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014 · 7:30 p.m. PRESENTED BY DES MOINES PERFORMING ARTS
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OPENING ACT I The King of Rock n’ Roll ACT II Elvis Goes Hollywood intermission ACT III Come Back to ‘68 ACT IV Real Men Wear Jumpsuits FINALE 3
Who’s Who DEAN Z has dedicated his entire life to honoring the legacy of Elvis Aaron Presley, the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” From his early days in Lancaster, California, to stages across the globe, he has repeatedly shown why he is one of the best in the business today. Dean became an accomplished musician during his youth and took off for Las Vegas, at 17. Throughout the next 13 years, Dean performed in Vegas, and has paid tribute to “The Memphis Flash” in Japan, Australia, Norway, Denmark, England, across Canada and the United States. Dean soon earned a spot with the World’s Greatest Live Tribute Show, “Legends in Concert,” and in 2007, began headlining the show in Branson, Missouri, where he currently performs two shows a day. After competing against 500 performers from around the world, Dean was named the 2013 Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist™ in Memphis during “Elvis Week” in a contest sanctioned by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. Bill Cherry Born into a musical family, Bill felt an instant connection with Elvis Presley. As a life-long fan, Bill began his professional career as an ETA in 1989, eager to honor the memory and music of his idol. He specializes in the concert years, completely transforming himself into the King of Rock n’ Roll, with precise vocals, movements and an uncanny physical resemblance. His efforts to maintain a respectful and accurate tribute have proved nothing short of successful, as Bill received numerous awards throughout his career including first place at the 2009 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in Memphis, TN. Bill has performed with both musician and singers of Elvis and he was on the first “Ultimate Elvis Tour” with “Legends in Concert.” Bill was most recently honored at the Las Vegas Hilton on the very stage Elvis played, with the “Heart of The King Award” for his respectful tribute to Elvis. He continues to entertain fans worldwide and salute the greatest entertainer of all time with his tasteful portrayal of Elvis Presley. JUSTIN AARON CLARK born in Mississippi has taken an interesting road through the world of entertainment. His first 4
introduction to the entertainment business was in Branson, MO where he took a job working for country music legend Mickey Gilley at his restaurant. Shortly after he got his first break with Legends In Concert, a Las Vegas tribute show that was opening in Branson, MO. Justin was hired to work in marketing given his out going personality, but was moved to stage manager and videographer with in a month of being hired. Justin took the next two years and learned every part of show business that he could. This would lead him to receive the break of a lifetime when he auditioned and received the role of “Elwood Blues of The Blues Brothers”. A fan of the original duo of Aykroyd and Belushi, it was a perfect fit for Justin. He began the role on January 13th 2000 and is still performing daily in Branson, MO with Legends In Concert. Leo Days As one of the top finalists in the 2009 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, Leo Days is one of the few Elvis tribute artists who performs all three eras of Elvis, including the rock ‘n’ roll ’50s, the ’60s and the Vegas years of the ’70s. Days grew up listening to Elvis and won his first tribute artist contest when he was 15 years old. Over the past 12 years, Days has performed in casinos, theaters, corporate events and festivals, and on cruise ships throughout the U.S. An international artist, he tours often in France as well as Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Belgium, Holland and Germany. Days is a versatile performer. In addition to his singing, he plays guitar and piano. Lawrence Feldner is a freelance performer, composer and arranger based out of Cincinnati, Ohio. Formally trained in both the classical and jazz traditions, his ability to emulate a wide range of styles has spawned a decades long performance career as a keyboard player. As a founding member and music director of the award winning ensemble Tropicoso, Mr. Feldner helped foster what is now a very active Latin music scene in the southwest Ohio region. Over the last fifteen years, his study of Afro-Cuban music has afforded him the opportunity to open for Latin music luminaries El Gran 5
along side the King during the “Elvis Lives” Tour. Elisha has also been featured in several independent film productions, as well as the upcoming documentary “We Always Lie To Strangers,” which debuted at the South by Southwest Film Festival last year. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release sometime this spring. Elisha is currently working on her first album, due out in early 2014.
Combo and Puerto Rican Power, amongst others. He produced the critically acclaimed CD ‘Un Cuento’ in 2005 for Tropicoso, and has written and produced tracks annually for the ‘Salsa on the Square’ series in Cincinnati. In 2004 he founded the production company Gigs Up North, LTD. The company provides talent and production resources for events and projects predominantly in the southwest Ohio region. Mr. Feldner holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Composition (1985) from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Master of Music degree in Composition (1989) from the University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music. Mr. Feldner is an ASCAP recording artist.
LEE PEPPER Emmy Award winning audio engineer, Lee Pepper, has built his reputation on a tradition of technical expertise, creative cooperation and a dedication to the highest level of sound production. A studio engineer and on-stage sound designer, Pepper was born in Boston and raised in the music scene of the early seventies, Pepper opened East Coast Audio at fourteen and hasn’t stopped since. Working with such artists as Billy Idol, Eddy Money and Joan Jett, as well as legendary performers such as Frank Sinatra, Mary Wilson, Tony Orlando, Andy Williams and Reo Speedwagon, he draws from a wealth of experience. Pepper’s interest in remote recording prompted him to open RRS Productions Audio in 2005. Over the past few years, his career as an audio engineer and technical director has grown to produce live recordings at the Hard Rock and Mirage with artist such as Slash and Joe Perry. As well, he has recorded with Sony’s four time Platinum recording artist, Candyman, and HBO’s, LIVE concert shows with Steve Harvey and the Emmy Award winning HBO LIVE w/ Don Rickles.
Eli Hludzik has been been a professional touring and studio musician for over 15 years and has had the pleasure of traveling internationally and performing many styles of music with many different people. Growing up in a musical household resulted in an early start to Eli’s musical career. It allowed him to become a studio and live drummer at the age of 14, and has been performing and recording ever since. Selected for the Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Arts, he then continued his musical education by attaining a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from The Cincinnati College Conservatory of music. After Moving to Los Angeles Eli has worked on many different kinds of projects both as a musician and producer. Eli is Currently working with a few different groups including CHECK IN THE DARK, JEFF FOWLER, DAKOTA, LEIGHTON MEESTER, and JR RICHARDS. Eli is always looking for new people to write and perform music with.
STEPHANIE RICHARDSON of Gideon, MO began her career at the age of 13 in Branson performing in a variety of shows as a featured vocalist, dancer, actress and magician’s assistant. Her training began at 3 years old specializing in voice, tap, jazz, hiphop, Irish, contemporary, clogging, lyrical and ballet. She has been featured in productions including The Starlettes, Legends in Concert, Spirit of the Dance, Shake Rattle & Roll, Dino’s Christmas Spectacular, Country Tonite, Spirit of Broadway, Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Two From Galilee. Stephanie has entertained across the United States, Australia, Japan and Austria. Stephanie was honored to represent the United States for the World Music Festival, a week long televised event held in Vienna. Stephanie attended college at Arkansas State University,
ELISHA MARIE JONES knew she wanted to be in show business from the time she was a child. Originally from Sullivan, MO, Elisha got her first job on stage in a Christmas show at age 12 and never looked back. By the time she was 13, Elisha used her soulful set of pipes to land a featured role meant for an adult in the 1920s themed show “Ragtime Lil and Banjo, Banjo.” Her unique vocal and dancing abilities earned her several featured roles in shows on Branson’s famous “Strip.” She even penned her own successful late-night cabaret show, and has assisted with production in several other shows. Elisha joined “Legends in Concert” in 2011 as a singer/dancer, and is enjoying paying homage to Ann-Margret 6
and Sara Hickman. Kris has produced tracks for reggae legend General Smiley and folk darling Ruthie Foster. His signature “swampy folkadelica” sound is a deliberate amalgamation of vast and wide ranging musical experiences and is informed by having played nearly every type of American music with the top people in the field. Kris has played several hundred gigs as a jazz guitarist and performed with Fred Hersch, Frank Lowe, and Trombone Shorty. As a soul/funk guitarist he has worked in groups with Reggie Calloway (Midnight Star), Cyril Neville (Meters, Neville Brothers), and Tiger “Don Juan” Martin (James Brown). Kris spent 4 years touring the country playing Tele and dobro with Shelley King and spent a year playing bass with [former Dixie Chic spouse] Charlie Robison. Kris is endorsed by RKS Guitars.
a member of the dance team and was crowned Miss Arkansas State University, launching her into the Miss Arkansas America Pageant. Today Stephanie is a singer/dancer for Legends in Concert, singer/dancer/line captain for the Elvis Lives tour and spokesmodel for Xtreme Racing Center, appearing on commercials, billboards & brochures. Brahm Sheray is a Fort Wayne, Indiana native currently residing in the San Francisco Bay Area. Brahm has been performing and conducting in the tribute show community since 1995, most notably with the long running show Legends in Concert. As a freelance Bassist, the Cincinnati Conservatory graduate can be found playing and recording with many artists in the bay area and around the country. Including Freda Payne, Diego’s Umbrella, Ben Marcato, , and a historic performance with the usually accapella group Sweet Honey in the Rock. Brahm has been the Musical Director of the touring show Elvis Lives since 2009.
About On Stage Touring, LLC On Stage Entertainment, Inc. owns and operates Legends In Concert and On Stage Touring, producers of ELVIS LIVES. Celebrating its 28th year, Legends in Concert is a live musical celebration featuring the world’s greatest celebrity tribute artists. Widely recognized in the entertainment industry as the original celebrity tribute show, Legends in Concert has been performed throughout the United States, and has traveled to 18 countries on five continents, including Japan, Canada, Austria, Germany, Sweden, Australia, China, Brazil, Spain, and England, entertaining more than 20 million fans. On Stage Entertainment operates numerous fixed-based, touring, limited-term and private engagements of Legends in Concert throughout the world. In addition to Las Vegas, Legends is presented year-round in numerous cities including Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Branson, Mo., Atlantic City NJ., Waikiki Beach, HI, on the high seas aboard Norwegian EPIC; and seasonally at such locations as Foxwoods Resort Casino (Mashantucket), Conn.. The show has also been featured on the most popular television networks in the world.
BUCKY HEARD, a native of Alabama, received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance from Auburn University. While performing for regional theaters around the country, he was able to perfect his craft and perform alongside some of Broadway’s biggest names. This gave him the opportunity to portray a wide range of theatrical and musical roles. Over the years, some of Bucky’s favorite roles have included Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors, Claude Bukowski in Hair and Lancelot Gobbo in The Merchant of Venice. He was also cast as the “Tin Man” (The Wiz), by Tony award-winning choreographer, George Faison. In the early 1990’s Bucky became a featured performer for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines then in early 1994, he and his wife moved to Branson, where they are currently performing. Since that time, he has shared the stage with such entertainers as Andy Williams, Tony Orlando, Glen Campbell, Collin Rae, Mickey Gilley, Bill Medley (of the Righteous Brothers) and currently portrays the role of John Belushi/ Jake Blues, in a Blues Brothers tribute act, for Legends in Concert, in Branson, MO.
For more information on Legends in Concert or On Stage Entertainment, visit www.legendsinconcert.com.
KRIS BROWN is a singer-songwriter, multiinstrumentalist, producer,and music educator based in Austin, Texas. Kris has a formidable discography including 7 releases as an artist as well as over 50 credits as a session player with the likes of Cyril Neville, Shelley King,
For more information on Elvis Presley, visit www.Elvis.com. 7
GUEST INFORMATION Tour Manager.............................Elliot Ordower Production Manager...........................Ron Stern Sound Design/FOH Engineer.............Lee Pepper MonitorEngineer/ShowControl..Robert Durkee Promotions......................................Mark Kogan Comptroller.................................Elenita Regala Human Resources and Payroll........ Billie Sellers Legal.................................................David Karp Sales Support..................................Mark Mercer Trucking/Lighting/Sound/Video....Loud&Clear Shane Fisher Cast/Crew Transportation......Hemphill Brothers Mark Larson Merchandise.....................Richards and Southern Jermey Deloach Bill Hastings
STAFF FOR ®
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER On Stage Touring, LLC
PRODUCER Elliot Ordower CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Brian Brigner CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Jon Urdan
EXCLUSIVE TOUR DIRECTION:
PRODUCTION STAFF
COLUMBIA ARTISTS THEATRICALS, INC.
(917) 206 - 4600 TEL / (917) 206 - 4646 FAX ColumbiaArtistsTheatricals.com
VICE PRESIDENT OF PRODUCTION Gina Capecci MUSIC DIRECTOR Brahm Sheray
www.ElvisLivesTour.com DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION Toni Lee
LATE SEATING Late seating will be accommodated by House Staff at the earliest appropriate time. Pay attention to lobby chimes, which are sounded five minutes before the show begins.
BINOCULARS Binoculars are available for rent at the Nollen and Prairie Meadows Lobby Guest Services Counters for $5. CAMERAS The use of cameras or any type of recording devices in the Main Hall is prohibited at all times.
LISTENING DEVICES Listening devices are available for use at no charge at the Nollen and Prairie Meadows Lobby Guest Services Counters.
CELL PHONES Please turn your cell phone off or set it to the silent mode. Please also refrain from text messaging and using your phone as a light source during the performance.
LOST ITEMS Lost items may be reported or claimed at the Nollen Lobby Guest Services Counter during an event. After an event, please contact our Ticket Office at (515) 246-2300 or stop by Monday through Friday, 9 am. to 5 p.m. Items are kept for 30 days.
CHILDREN Children younger than five years old are typically not permitted in the theater. At designated family-oriented productions, however, children of all ages are permitted. Everyone must have a ticket, regardless of age. A limited number of booster seats are available at the Nollen and Prairie Meadows Lobby Guest Services Counters.
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE If you have a medical need, please notify the House Staff. Medical services are provided by UnityPoint Health – Des Moines in the Prairie Meadows Lobby. SPECIAL SEATING NEEDS Seating is available for all performances for a variety of accessibility requirements (including wheelchair, motorized cart, difficulty with stairs and sight impairment). Please call the Ticket Office at (515) 246-2300.
COAT/ITEM CHECK Coats and other personal items may be checked at the Nollen and Prairie Meadows Lobby Guest Services Counters during all Main Hall performances. CONCESSIONS Bottled water is permitted in the Main Hall during all performances. Souvenir cups with lids are allowed in the Main Hall during designated performances. No other food or drink is allowed in the theater.
MUSICAL ARRANGEMENTS Joe Escriba MUSICAL TRACKS/VOCALS Face Productions David Adams
TOBACCO USE The use of tobacco products is not allowed in the Des Moines Civic Center or within 15 feet of any entrance. WHEELCHAIRS Des Moines Performing Arts has wheelchairs available to assist guests with mobility concerns. Guest Services staff may be contacted to assist.
ELEVATORS Elevators to the second level are located in the Nollen Lobby and near the Stoner Theater.
CORPORATE MUSICAL DIRECTOR Howard Stroman
Special thanks to those at Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc. for their dedicated efforts in this endeavor: Bevin Baddorf, Robert Dye, Gary Hahn, Gary Hovey, Kevin Kern, Angie Marchese, Amanda Pannell, Jack Soden, Jen Swearingen and Carla Tartera.
VIDEO production and EDITING Bevin Baddorf - Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. Jason Jarrett – Face Productions Robert Swope – Sunrise Entertainment
An ATM is located in the Ticket Office Lobby.
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Des Moines Performing Arts · 221 Walnut, Des Moines, IA 50309-2104 · (515) 246-2300
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