Jailhouse
Rock |
And
you would forgive the veteran writer/director team of Alan Janes
and Rob Bettinson for feeling all shook up by this decision. But
undeterred they have put together a fine musical.
Based
on the motion picture Jailhouse Rock the show tells the story of
Vince Everett, a young man from the wrong side of the tracks who
discovers his own unique singing talent whilst doing time in prison,
and emerges to become the world’s greatest rock n roll star.
The
first half of the show centres on life behind bars and in between
the catchy songs and comical banter there are some stark images
of prison life in the fifties.
Vince
played by lifelong Presley fan Mario Kombou becomes friends with
fellow inmates Hawk Houghton (Roger Alborough) and Quickly Robinson
(Gilz Terera). They perform various songs including ‘This Ole
House’, ‘Pretty Little Angel Eyes’ and ‘Are
You Lonesome Tonight’. There is also a fine supporting cast
who get many opportunities to get in on the act, in particular a
hilarious rendition of ‘Winter Wonderland’.
The
second half focuses on Vince’s journey to stardom revealing
the pressures money and fame can bring. Songs include ‘Burnin’
Love’, ‘Memphis Tennessee’ and ‘Suspicious Minds’.
From
the outset there is plenty of love interest as Vince becomes involved
with childhood sweetheart Mary Lou and actress Sheri Wilson both
played by Melanie Marcus, and his promoter Peggy Van Aulden played
by Lisa Peace.
Mario
Kombou as Vince Everett |
The
story transfers well to the stage, but unlike the film, we never
get to fully appreciate why Vince’s friendship with Hawk breaks
down. Hawk had clearly formed a strong liking for Vince’s business
partner Peggy which does not come through in this production and
if you are unfamiliar with the original storyline you may be left
wondering why Hawk suddenly loses his temper and starts throwing
punches. I also found the scene where Vince sings ‘Always on
my Mind’ from his wheelchair a bit too syrupy.
But
there was much to admire. Throughout the musical the sets were very
eye catching and I particularly enjoyed the shadow effect of the
dancers who jived along to ‘Blue Suede Shoes’. The cast
also makes great use of the prison bars and giant backdrops to create
the appropriate atmosphere.
Although
Mario Kombou performs well, I thought the show was stolen by Gilz
Terera. He displayed numerous talents, singing, dancing, serious
acting and comedy. I would like to see more of him in the future.
Donna
Presley (cousin of Elvis) was seated in the row in front of me and
she was clearly enjoying herself. The way she danced in her chair
and sang along to the various numbers made it an even bigger mystery
as to why Elvis Presley Enterprises are so set against the production
using the ‘Jailhouse Rock’ song. But although strange
without the title song – this show was still very enjoyable.
Stephen
Garner
Have you seen the show? Agree with the review? Have your say:
Sandy O'Leary , Ashton-under-Lyne.
Saw the show in Manchester and loved it so much went back for a second helping. Would definately go back to see it again if it came back to Manchester.Mario and Gilz were the stars of the show but a good cast in all.
Helen from Manchester
Jailhouse Rock - March 20th 2004
The set was excellent but I don't feel that the cast was given the opportunity to fully expand on their obviously stifled talents i.e. there were not enough dance routines. The bar-rapping + chain gang scenes would have easily led into some form of 'stomp' routine which would have enhanced the show greatly without 'upsetting' the Presley Foundation. As it is, these routines were not maximised and left me feeling disappointed and deflated. The cast themselves, must have felt very frustrated as their talents were not expoited to the full. Please tell Vince not to 'try' to move like Elvis as he just doesn't have what it takes. His performance was good - but not that good. Congratulations to Gilz Terera and the rest of the chorus. I urge them to write their own musical where they can really amaze and captivate the audience with their many talents and sparkling personalities- or at least find a visionary with the scope to do this. In conclusion, the name of the show should be changed as the much loved songs from Jailhouse Rock are conspicuous by their absence. The show could then have created its own characters, choreographed some exciting dance routines, and given more thought to the songs chosen. Last night's performance appeared to have been attended by Elvis fans who were simply grateful to listen to the King's music and look at someone impersonating him. I am not an Elvis devotee but enjoy a good show. All in all I came away from the last night performance feeling dissatisfied and disappointed.
Sylvia Manchester
This show was brilliant. I just wish it was on longer in Manchester so that I could see it again. Brilliant and congrats to all the cast especially Mario and Gekz.
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Jailhouse
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