Live Review: Mike Geier's Kingsized Elvis Memorial Spectacular @ Variety Playhouse 8/16/08

Mike Geier and his Kingsized Orchestra, along with the Dames Aflame burlesque dancers and El Vez (the Mexican Elvis), put on a show that kept the audience laughing and dancing at every minute-- a fitting tribute to the King on the thirty-first anniversary of his death.

With a pint-sized Elvis wandering on and off stage between numbers and El Vez sharing the stage in a silver one-piece jumpsuit, the troupe exuded energy and excitement for three straight hours. The best part about this group is that they’re not Elvis impersonators. They perform Elvis songs, and a few may even dress like the King-- but instead of directly aping, they channel Elvis’ style and influence and make it their own.

And in sartorial tribute to the King, there was no half-stepping the apparel, either: The color scheme, comprised exclusively of red, white and black, evoked Elvis’ traditional on-stage attire, accented by star detailing on Geier’s suit and glittering accents on all the entertainers. The orchestra wore sunglasses, and the backing choir wore long evening gowns and suits.
 
The troupe hit all the highlights: “Dixie” came through with all the power and gusto it deserves, “Viva Las Vegas” brought the crowd to its feet, and El Vez’s performance of “If I Can Dream” was delivered with passion, energy and a Mexican twist. Covers of other classics-- including Sinatra’s “My Way” and Styx’s “Come Sail Away”-- kept the crowd’s spirits soaring (or sailing, as it were). As always, Geier performed songs that belong to Elvis and some that don’t, but didn't try to force an Elvis accent or persona on the performance-- instead, he used his own talent, voice and personality to pay tribute to Presley’s legacy.

The circus-like stage atmosphere, with dancers entering and exiting at every song, culminated in a grand finale of all performers in the best and brightest outfits of the evening. Geier made a wardrobe change for his encore, trading in his black star-studded suit for an all-white ensemble to perform a cover of a cover, Joe Cocker’s version of The Beatles’ “With A Little Help From My Friends.”

As someone who’s been to Graceland more times than she can count, and who was raised by an Elvis fanatic, I can honestly say that Geier, Kingsized, Dames Aflame and El Vez put on one of the most entertaining, original and utterly enjoyable Elvis tributes I’ve ever seen. The best part: they’ll all be back in December for a holiday performance.

Related links:
Kingsized on MySpace
Dames Aflame on MySpace
ElVez.net