T H U R S DAY, FEB 2 | 7:30 p.m. The World Company is pleased to help sponsor this presentation of ELVIS LIVES! As a part of the Lawrence community for more than 100 years, our company enhances our community by supporting the arts, providing scholarships and supporting numerous philanthropic projects. This event is sponsored, in part, by the Lied Performance Fund. This performance was made possible through the generous support of the Evie Brinkman Memorial Education Fund. Audio description services and recorded program notes are provided through a partnership between the Lied Center and Audio-Reader Network. Please turn off or silence cellular phones and other electronic devices during performances. Food and drink are not allowed inside the hall. Cameras and recording devices are strictly prohibited in the auditorium.
On Stage Touring, LLC presents
®
The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Event with
VICTOR TREVINO JR. • KEVIN MILLS LORI RUSSO • BEN KLEIN • BILL CHERRY Company Manager STEPHEN T. GUDIS
Lighting Designer GREG MALTBY
Sound Engineer LEE PEPPER
Choreography TONI LEE
Costuming ROSE MARIE FABIANO
Production Management GINA GAPECCI
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.
ELVIS LIVES
THE CAST
1950’s ELVIS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VICTOR TREVINO JR. MOVIE ERA ELVIS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KEVIN MILLS LEADING LADY “ANN-MARGRET”.....................LORI RUSSO ‘68 COMEBACK ERA ELVIS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BEN KLEIN VEGAS/TOURING ELVIS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BILL CHERRY
TOURING MUSICIANS
BASS PLAYER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BRAHM SHERAY DRUMS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ELI HLUDZIK GUITAR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GEORGE SAFIRE KEYBOARDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JUSTUS DOBRIN ENSEMBLE/DANCE CAPTAIN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NELLIE NORRIS ENSEMBLE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ELAINE ALCORN ENSEMBLE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CONNIE CRAWFORD-MURRAY ENSEMBLE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SARAH HICKEY ENSEMBLE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HUNTER GERARD ENSEMBLE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JASON JARRETT
ACT I OPENING 1950’s MOVIE YEARS INTERMISSION (20 MINUTES) ACT II ‘68 COMEBACK SPECIAL CONCERT YEARS FINALE lied.ku.edu | LIVE PERFORMING ARTS
Elaine Alcorn
Bill Cherry
Connie Crawford-Murray
Justus Dobrin
Hunter Gerard
Sara Hickey
Ely Hludzik
Jason Jarrett
Ben Klein
Kevin Mills
Nellie Norris
Lori Russo
George Elliot Safire
Brahm Sheray
Victor Trevino Jr.
ELVIS LIVES
Who’s Who ELAINE ALCORN has had the privilege of having a long career full of many exciting adventures. She jumped on a plane and went to New York City at the age of 18 to attend the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. National tour credits include “Anything Goes”, “Sesame Street Live”, “Ringling Bro. Barnum and Bailey Circus” and she was in the first round of “The Ultimate Elvis Tour”!!! Internationally Elaine has performed on cruise ships and for Tokyo Disney Sea in Japan. TV credits include “HBO’s Comic Relief” and music videos for The Killers and Carrie Underwood. Regional Credits include “Cabaret”, “42nd Street”, “Snoopy”, “West Side Story”, “Easter Parade”, “Disney’s When you Wish” and many productions of “Legends in Concert”. In Las Vegas and California she has been seen in shows such as “Show in the Sky”, “Ignite” and just finished a production of “Cirque De La Mere”. BILL CHERRY was born into a musical family in Collinsville, IL. He 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” being named Champion 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. CONNIE CRAWFORD-MURRAY was born in Arlington, Texas and started dancing and singing at the age of 3 years old. After getting a degree in Radio Television from the University of Texas at Arlington, she realized that Entertainment was her passion, but not in front of a camera. Instead, she thrived for a live audience. Connie has traveled all around the world performing on Holland America cruise ships. She also performed in
Nashville, Tennessee at Opryland, USA. She now makes her home with her husband and daughter in Las Vegas where she performed in Spellbound, Viva Las Vegas and Legends in Concert. She is currently performing for Face Productions in Downtown Fremont Street and sings with a vintage trio by the name of Swing City Dolls. She thanks her dance teacher Persis Forster for all her success. JUSTUS DOBRIN is a keyboardist, composer and producer originally from the San Francisco Bay Area. An avid lover of music since his childhood, Justus began playing piano at the age of seven. He continued pursuing music throughout his young adult life then went on to complete his studies at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. After earning a degree in composition and arrangement, Justus returned to his native Bay Area and continued his studies in recording and engineering. He currently composes for network television programs and commercials, and has played with No Doubt, Bonnie Raitt, The Doobie Brothers and members of Tower of Power. Justus lives in El Cerrito, CA with his wife and their beloved dog, Fritz. HUNTER GERARD hails from New Orleans, La. He has been performing professionally for over 20 years. He has worked for numerous cruise ships, Disney, and universal studios. His television credits include second noah and General Hospital. Recently, he has spent the summer performing on the world famous Freemont Street in Las Vegas, Nevada. STEPHEN T. GUDIS has more than 30 years experience in live music presentation. He has worked in all aspects of live tour/ production management for national touring attractions, broadcast events, private events, and award presentations and in every type of venue imaginable. His career has provided him the opportunity to travel the world and enjoy countless adventures along the way. Highlights include working with The Kennedy Center, Brooks and Dunn, Farm Aid, The Charlie Daniels Band, Starwood Amphitheater, Paul Stanley, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Aretha Franklin, Shooter Jennings, Alabama, the CMA Awards and ACM Awards, as well as many others. SARA HICKEY is excited to be returning for the second year of the “Elvis Lives” tour. She grew up in Denver, Colorado, earned a B.S. in Communications from the University of Wyoming and currently resides in Las Vegas, NV. She has performed in various productions all over the country as well as in shows on Norwegian Cruise Lines. She most recently could be seen as Carrie Underwood in “Legends in Concert” at Harrah’s, Las Vegas. lied.ku.edu | LIVE PERFORMING ARTS
ELY 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 and is very active in the Los Angeles area music scene. www.elismusic.com JASON JARRETT spent most of his childhood on tour with his entertainment family. At a very young age, Jason quickly learned the inner workings of the entertainment business. Skills such as singing, dancing and acting were vital to his career as an adult. After graduating high school, Jason started his own successful recording act with his brother, Brandon. For 3 years they entertained fans on the west coast, performing in most major cities. While in Los Angeles recording his first CD, Jason took advantage of opportunities to be involved in many major film and television projects such as FRIENDS, ALI MCBEAL, BEVERLY HILLS 90210, CHARMED and many others. He has been performing in various production shows in the Las Vegas area since 2009. Jason has worked with such talent as CHARO, LARRY KING and B. B. KING. BEN KLEIN has always been involved in music since a very young age; singing gospel music in choir and with his family and playing guitar, drums, bass guitar, and piano. After listening to an Elvis album in 2001, Ben was inspired to pay tribute to the musical career of the greatest entertainer of all time, and began performing professionally the very next year. Since then he has been given numerous awards and currently holds nine first place competition titles across North America. Ben has worked for Legends In Concert and was a headliner on the first ever Elvis Cruise in 2007. His personal greatest achievements are winning the 2010 Collingwood Elvis Festival Gospel Competition, having the opportunity to perform with The Imperials, Sweet Inspirations, and DJ Fontana, and placing in the top 5 (in 2007 and ELVIS LIVES
2008) and recently placing First Runner Up in 2011 in the Ultimate Elvis Competition hosted by Elvis Presley Enterprises. Ben strives daily to respectfully and graciously tribute Elvis to the best of his ability and thanks God for his success and his fans, friends and family for their loving support. God bless. KEVIN MILLS’ authentic portrayal and fascinating interpretation of Elvis Presley has made him one of the most sought after and popular performers in the industry. Kevin’s career soared when he was crowned World Champion at the Images Of The King at the 4th Annual Elvis Tribute artist Contest in Memphis. In 2007 Kevin was crowned Grand Champion on board the Ultimate Elvis Cruise by performers who shared the stage with the most recognized entertainment force in the world. Kevin has headlined for Legends In Concert, performed at the presidential inauguration for Bill Clinton, Carnival and Disney Cruise lines, the Jerry Lewis Telethon, Super Stars Live,The Spirit of America Tour, The Taj Mahal ,Stage West and the South Pacific Tour and the 2010 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Tour. In 2009 Kevin was awarded 3rd place and in 2010 he was awarded 2nd place in the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in Memphis Tennessee. Kevin has been equally active in film and Television appearing in dozens of high profile productions including several television acting roles. Highlights and extra credits include, Entertainment Tonight, Inside Edition, 48 Hours, ABC Primetime, Geraldo Rivera, The Relic Hunter, Fox Television, CNN and most notably his lead performance in Elvis The Beginning on A&E. Though the years. Kevin’s success reflects not only his accomplishments and beliefs, but also an incredible love for life and entertaining. NELLIE NORRIS is an extremely versatile Singer/Dancer who graduated Cum-Laude from Oklahoma City University with a Bachelor of Performing Arts degree in Dance. Las Vegas is her home after performing as a featured entertainer in Branson, MO where she won the title of Newcomer of the Year. Nellie headlined the show “Bareback” at Harrah’s Casino, Vegas and you can catch her as a lead entertainer and/ or singer/dancer with top producers in and out of Vegas including Legends In Concert, Face Productions, Greg Thompson Productions, Tony Sacca and The Whoa Nellie Country Rock Band. Her credits include performing for the American Military’s “MWR” tour in Korea plus Carnival Cruise Lines, The Villa Roma 5 star resort in NY, and Discoveryland’s production of “Oklahoma” where she played Ado Annie. She has also developed tributes to Cher, Reba McIntire, Loretta Lynn, Minnie Pearl and her favorite, Cyndi Lauper.
LORI RUSSO is an award-winning actress. Lori has worked in various mediums of entertainment for more than 25 years. Film, Television, Review Shows, and Theater. Lori won an Elly Award for Best Actress in a drama about Isadora Duncan titled “Love, Isadora”. During performances in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, people began to mention her resemblance to Ann-Margret. These remarks peaked her interest and Lori has been performing her own Ann-Margret Tribute act off and on for Legends In Concert for the last 15 years. She has performed in every major Venue for Legends from the Imperial Palace and Harrah’s in Vegas to Bally’s in Atlantic City, as well as venue’s in Branson and Myrtle Beach. She also appeared on the Jay Leno Show as Ann-Margret in 1995.When asked to join the cast of Elvis Lives, Lori thought it would be a wonderful opportunity for fans to relish in the nostalgia of seeing the iconic sexy screen duo Elvis and Ann-Margret performing together once again Live! GEORGE ELLIOT SAFIRE is a native Californian, George received his Masters Degree in Music Performance from the University of California, Irvine in 1986 after which he had the honor of performing, touring and recording with many Pop, R&B and Reggae artists including Bobby Womack, Sam Kinnison, Brandford Marsalis, Bobby Kimbal (Toto), Ziggy Marley and The Melodymakers, The Wailers, Peter Tosh, Andrew Tosh, and Eyes of the World, (founding member). Since relocating to Las Vegas in 1992, George has performed and recorded with many well known legends including: Tom Jones, Neil Diamond, The Smothers Brothers, Wayne Newton, Don Rickles, Lesley Gore, Buddy Greco, and Freddie Bell. He served as the Director of Music Technology and Guitar Studies at UNLV from 1994 to 1998 and was Musical Director for “Enter The Night” from 1996 until its closure in December 1999. He toured with the 2001 National Broadway production of ‘Chicago, a Musical’ and performed in the Las Vegas productions of ‘The Full Monty’ and ‘Mama Mia’ and was Musical Director for ‘ Legends In Concert’ March 2004 through April 2007. Presently he is Musical Director for FACE Productions, providing production shows for the Fremont Street Experience and tours as guitarist for ‘Elvis Lives’. George uses and recommends Dean Markley Strings, Ibanez Guitars, CAD Mics, Auralex Acoustics, JH Audio In Ear Systems,and IK Multimedia Software. BRAHM SHERAY, Bassist/Musical Director, is a Fort Wayne, Indiana native currently residing in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife and son. Brahm has been performing and conducting in the tribute show community since 1995, most notably with the long running show Legends in Concert and The Ultimate Elvis Tour. The Cincinnati Conservatory of Music graduate
can be found backing many artists in the bay area and around the country. Including artists Freda Payne, David Wilcox, The Gene Krupa Big Band, The Harry James Big Band, and a recent historic performance with the accapella group Sweet Honey in the Rock. VICTOR TREVINO JR. hails from Fort Worth, TX, and has been interested in music and art since he was born. Growing up in a musical family he began singing and acting in local productions such as Grease, Annie and has played the role of Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat. Victor Trevino Jr.’s dream of a career in music and acting has been realized as an Elvis Presley Tribute Artist. Specializing in the rockabilly ’50s and ’60s and movie genre, he recreates the excitement of the king’s popular years. Trevino has earned numerous awards and titles in the past four years including being a top five finalist in the 2010, 2009 and 2008 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contests. Victor fully enjoys and puts a full effort in each performance when he portrays the King of Rock n’ Roll with his passion and love for roots music. “What I love most about performing as Elvis is showing an audience my age and younger what Elvis was truly like. Victor has performed with many people that have worked with Elvis himself as well as performing on some of the same stages that Elvis appeared on as well. ABOUT ON STAGE TOURING, LLC On Stage Entertainment, Inc. owns and operates On Stage Touring, producers of ELVIS LIVES and Legends in Concert. 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. For more information on Legends in Concert or On Stage Entertainment, visit www.legendsinconcert.com. lied.ku.edu | LIVE PERFORMING ARTS
STAFF FOR ®
PRODUCTION STAFF VICE PRESIDENT OF PRODUCTION Gina Capeci
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER On Stage Touring, LLC CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Brian Brigner CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Jon Urdan EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Barbara P. Cooley
CREDITS Lighting & Sound............Morris Light & Sound David Haskell Sparky Anderson Cast/Crew Transportation...........Coach Quarters Trucking..............................................Stage Call Video........................................Elite Multimedia Tom Wilson Jeremy Byrd Creative Services.......................G-Creative, Inc. Christopher Howey Publicist........................The Beckwith Company David Beckwith Special thanks to those at Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc. for their dedicated efforts in this endeavor: Bevin Baddorf, Richard Dye, Gary Hovey, Kevin Kern, Jonathan Seiden, Jack Soden, Jen Swearingen, Carla Tartera, Jane Terrell, Scott Williams.
ELVIS LIVES
MUSIC DIRECTOR Brahm Sheray DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION Toni Lee VIDEO EDITING Bevin Baddorf - Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc. David Adams - Face Productions General Management.....Barbara Pinneke Cooley Tour/Production Manager..........Stephen T. Gudis Lighting Engineer............................Greg Maltby Sound Engineer.................................Lee Pepper Monitor Engineer........................Craig Palscisko Merchandise/Promotions Manager..Mark Kogan Accounting..................................Elenita Regalia Accounting Clerk.........................Darlene Spann Comptroller.................................Elenita Regalia Human Resources and Payroll........ Billie Sellers Legal.................................................David Karp Sales................................................Mark Mercer Senior Booking Director..........Tracey McFarland Agency.................................The Booking Group Current Representation........................................ Columbia Artists Theatricals Gary McAvay
A saluteVIPto SPONSORS our We proudly recognize our Very Important Partners. Not only do our VIP Sponsors offer essential financial contributions, they also provide valuable and enthusiastic promotion of Lied Center performances to their customers, employees and the community. Their commitment to the performing arts allows us to provide education activities, free school performances and high-quality events each year. We honor our VIP Sponsors throughout the season on our electronic sign and with onstage recognition at their selected performances. We hope you will also thank them when you visit their businesses. For more information regarding our sponsorship program, contact the Lied Center Director of Development Megan Poindexter, at 785-864-2788.
ELVIS LIVES
Open House and Community Arts Festival
An Evening with David Sedaris
MAMMA MIA!
The National Acrobats of China FARFALLE (Butterflies) Suzanne Farrell Ballet The Intergalactic Nemesis & Chiara String Quartet forté Herbie Hancock
AnDa Union & The Chamber Ensemble of the Shanghai Chinese Orchestra & Jing Xing Dance Theatre
The Celtic Tenors
forté SOUTH PACIFIC forté
A saluteMEDIA to our SPONSORS
Media sponsors provide important underwriting for Lied Center performances. Their contributions give invaluable support for advertising, promotions and marketing. For information on becoming a media sponsor, please call 785-864-3469.
Mnozil Brass
An Evening with David Sedaris
The Intergalactic Nemesis
A SALUTE TO OUR VIP SPONSORS
LIV E
PERFORMING ARTS UPCOMING PERFORMANCES
CHAMBER ENSEMBLE OF THE SHANGHAI CHINESE ORCHESTRA Traditional music from Shanghai MONDAY, FEB 13 — 7:30 p.m.
MAMMA MIA!
The smash hit musical based on the songs of ABBA TUESDAY, FEB 14 — 7:30 p.m.
MATT HAIMOVITZ, cello AND CHRISTOPHER O’RILEY, piano Shuff le.Play.Listen SATURDAY, FEB 18 — 7:30 p.m.
JIN XING DANCE THEATRE Contemporary modern dance from Shanghai THURSDAY, FEB 23 — 7:30 p.m.
ORDER TODAY 785-864-2787 lied.ku.edu LIVE PERFORMING ARTS | lied.ku.edu
LIV E
PERFORMING ARTS UPCOMING PERFORMANCES
SFJAZZ Collective
Modern jazz masters celebrate Stevie Wonder WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14 — 7:30 p.m.
MNOZIL BRASS
Tuba, trombones and trumpets from Austria SATURDAY, MARCH 31 — 7:30 p.m.
FARFALLE (Butterflies)
Interactive theatre for children and adults APRIL 10, 11, 13, 14
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2011-1 2 Friends of the Lied UPDATE
This list includes individuals and businesses that have initiated or renewed their Friends of the Lied membership since the original list was published. BUSINESS FRIENDS FELLOW ($2,500+) Bigg’s Barbecue PATRON ($500+) The Janssen Clinic of Natural Medicine
INDIVIDUAL FRIENDS BENEFACTOR ($1,000+) Venkata & Neeli Bendapudi Don & Carol Hatton Jeannot & Todd Seymour PATRON ($500+) Karen & Dennis Christilles Tyrone Duncan & Bozenna Pasik-Duncan Shade Little Tod & Sidney Sutton Jan & Dale Willey SPONSOR ($250+) John W. & Ferry Evans Lewis & Laura Gregory Gail & Peter Hansen David & Diana Ice Lucy Price Laura & Don Stull
You can support the Lied, too!
For more information or to join Friends of the Lied, contact the Lied Center Director of Development Megan Poindexter, at 785-864-2788 or meganp@ku.edu or go to lied.ku.edu/donate. The Lied Center is grateful for gifts of all sizes. We apologize for any errors or omissions.
ELVIS LIVES 2011-12 FRIENDS OF THE LIED UPDATE
CONTRIBUTOR ($100+) Michele Berendsen Jack Hofman & Jeannette Blackmar John & Eliza Bullock George & Gloria Byers Capitol Federal Leadership Forum in honor of Barbara Carswell Janice & Robert Cobb Richard & Betty Colbert Jim & Sandy Cooper Dr. David & Julie Dunlap Robert Friauf Suzanne & Verlin Gilbert Ted & Nancy Haggart William Sharp & Sonya Lancaster Tina Neal Adam Pousson Dr. Allan & Margi Ross Sharon Graham & Anthea Scouffas Charles Silvestri Lori Norwood & Doug Stull Forrest & Donna Swall Olive J. Ubel FRIENDS ($50+) Eva S. Alley Cara Nossaman Anderson Gail S. Ayers P.H.D. Laurie Comstock & Greg Ludvigson Jack Winerock & Susan Elkins Karen Hall Mary & Steve Jones Bruce Levine Earl & Dee Anne Waters