ETA World and the People Who Make it Spin

Niagara Falls Elvis Festival:  Part Two

The photo album that follows is dedicated to those who support ETAs.  Whether you are a promoter, an agent, a festival organizer, a judge, a tabulator, a photographer—or any one of the dozens of other people who help ETAs do what they do best, you are part of the axis that makes the ETA world spin.   Most of the photos below were taken at the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival, but they represent a bigger picture.  It was difficult to categorize the photos according to job title, since some of the people wear many hats.  While I attempted to take a photo of everyone who played a role in the success of the past week-end’s festival, some photos could not be added due to quality; but please know that you are all appreciated for your contribution, and sometime in the future your photo from another event will appear. 

Promoters, Agents, Organizers, Judges

Tony Busseri, Heather Busseri, and Greg and Alanna Frewin, organizers of the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival are pictured above in the first three photos.  Other Ontario Elvis festivals were well represented at the Niagara Falls event.  Rosemarie Garrity O’Brien and Cathie Korsakas from the Collingwood Elvis Festival and Lisa Lesage from the Tweed Elvis Festival attended the NFEF.  Pam Pettit and Sue Harris, organizers of the Flaming Star Festival, volunteered at NFEF.  Pam was the backstage co-ordinator, with the help of Karen Craig-Frappier, and Sue Harris was the official tabulator for the competition.  Talent agent and promoter, Sandra Gold, is pictured with her very good friend and assistant, Rita Petrone Caruso.  Judges, Giacomo Folinazzo, Tony Sciara, Natasha MrKovich, Wendy King, Darrell Lacasse, and Kay Shannon, judged all three rounds of the competition, and Mayor James M. Diodati was a judge at the final round. 

Vendors, Sponsors, Photographers, Media

B&K Enterprises Costume Co. Inc., who presented gift certificates for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners at the NFEF, were well represented by Robin Theobald, Kim Polston’s assistant, and head seamstress, Kim Wein.  Robin’s daughter, Chloe, helped look after B&K’s merchandise.  All three are pictured above.  Gilles and Jasmine Beaudin, of DanNel Transportation, a silver sponsor of the NFEF, were pictured in the slideshow that was posted yesterday.*  Bronze sponsors of the event include Niagara Falls Taxi, Epik Escapes, Travelodge, Days Inn & Suites, and Days Inn.  We had an enjoyable two night stay at Days Inn & Suites, and wish to thank the staff for making us feel so welcome.  The city of Niagara Falls and the province of Ontario are public supporters.  Two representatives from media sponsor, 610 CKTB NEWSTALK Radio Station, are pictured above.  Professional photographers, Lori-Anne Crewe from LA Crewe Photography and Louis Young from Louis Young Photography were on hand to take photos.  Amateur photographer, Clarence ‘Buck’ O’Dell took a series of photos of the event.  Eva Brand of Eva Brand Media Group captured the three days in photos and videos.  As editor of SIDEBURNS Magazine, I took notes to report on ETA events in articles.  I also took the photos you see above. I added a photo of Judy LaForme, while not a sponsor or vendor at this event, because I am sure that many of the scarves that I have received from ETAs are Judy’s, making her a part of the ETA world.   

Coming soon:  Fan Photos, ETAs. Best regards, Carolyn.

* https://vimeo.com/266423499/16db54bb4d

Niagara Falls Elvis Festival Family Event Recap

On Wednesday, April 18th, 2018, ARB Productions in partnership with Greg Frewin Theatre held a free family day event as part of the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival.  With the help of grants from the city of Niagara Falls and the province of Ontario, hot dogs, popcorn and drinks were offered to all adults and children.  ETAs Bruno Nesci and Richard Wolfe sang Elvis songs and challenged those in attendance with  music trivia questions at the 5:30 to 8:30 pm event. To amuse the children, a dinosaur danced to the music of DJ Brandon.  Face painting was offered, and Charlize, in the photo below, shows the beautiful cheeta design that she chose.  Some of the wonderful people whom I know from Casino Niagara Wednesday shows dropped by to share in the fun.  As my blog followers know, these fine folks, who are big Elvis fans, are also my favourite dance partners, so we all appreciated the ample dance floor and music that Greg Frewin Theatre provided.  It was a great event that set the tone for the fantastic weekend of competitions and shows that was to follow.  I captured in photos some of the happy moments at the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival Day.  On behalf of all who attended Niagara Falls Elvis Festival Family Day, I wish to thank Tony Busseri, co-founder of ARB Productions, his business partner, Heather Busseri, and Greg and Alanna Frewin, proprietors of Greg Frewin Theatre and business partners with ARB Productions, for hosting such an enjoyable family event. 

Niagara Falls Elvis Festival Family Day Photo Album

Million Dollar Quartet Preview Night

Last Tuesday night, theatregoers were treated to a preview of the play Million Dollar Quartet at Theatre Aquarius.  On his Facebook page, ETA Matt Cage, who stars as Elvis Presley in the play, informed followers that Tuesday was a “Pay What You Can” preview night.  I was not aware such a bargain was offered by the theatre, so I am grateful to Matt for posting the information, and also grateful to ETA fan and friend, Dot Farr, for sending me a message about the preview event.  I intended on buying a ticket next week, but Tuesday night's offer was too good to pass up. 

Tuesday was my fourth time in two years seeing Million Dollar Quartet.  The first time was a touring production that performed at the Avalon Theatre at Fallsview Casino.  It was good entertainment, but the actor who played Elvis, while a good singer, was probably not an Elvis Tribute Artist, since the passion and understanding for the role that an ETA brings to their Elvis tribute, seemed to be missing.  The second time I saw MDQ was at the Drayton Opera House last summer.  Matt Cage, as a professional and award winning ETA, brought so much more to the part than just acting and singing the role of Elvis Presley.  During the duration of the play, Matt embodied the King of Rock and Roll and brought an authenticity to his performance that only an ETA can deliver.  Theatregoers who had not seen an ETA perform before were blown away by Matt’s performance.  In a play where the most riotous lines and actions belong to the character Jerry Lee Lewis--so skillfully delivered at Drayton by actor Gerrard Everard, Matt’s presence on stage was mesmerizing.  My experience at Drayton MDQ, which I detailed in an earlier blog, makes that particular performance one of my most memorable theatre moments.  It was such a wonderful evening that I bought a second ticket for the following week. 

What I enjoy the most about live theatre is that you can see the same play over and over again and never tire of the experience.  Each director brings something new to their interpretation of the play.  I know the storyline quite well from previous productions, but last Tuesday the nuances that director Ron Ulrich brought to the stage made the production fresh and exciting.  I didn’t have to wait long to see Matt on stage, as he was part of the opening number.  I found the role of Elvis to be more prominent during Tuesday’s play.  The characters of Elvis and Dyanne presented a lively connection throughout the play.  When I last saw Matt in MDQ, his character was primarily positioned on stage left.  But for this production, Elvis performs most often centre stage.    

The cast of professional actors, singers and musicians performed their respective roles with panache.  The vocals were stellar, and the response from the audience was palatable.  When I glanced across the front row of seats, I could see a lot of foot tapping and head bobbing to the music.  Each individual performance was met with vigorous applause and cheers from the enthusiastic theatre patrons.  I attended Tuesday’s preview performance primarily to see Matt reprise his role as Elvis.  Having performed in MDQ numerous times over the past year at several Canadian theatres (Stage West Calgary, Drayton Entertainment, Royal MTC Winnipeg, Western Canada Theatre Kamloops, and CAA Theatre in Toronto), Matt brings a polished performance to Theatre Aquarius, Hamilton. 

Set and costume designer, Ivan Brozic, brings 1956 to life in fine fashion.  Marisa McIntyre, who plays the role of Elvis’s fictitious girlfriend, Dyanne, and who delivered a killer rendition of the song “Fever”, looked stunning in her 50’s styled costumes.  The artfully designed stage setting, along with great sound and lighting, gave an authentic 50s vibe.  During the last few minutes of the play, the four main characters, Carl, Johnny, Jerry Lee, and Elvis, dressed in bedazzled jackets, take the stage for an all-out finale.  First-class performances of each character’s signature song brought the audience to their feet.  Dressed in his gold, rhinestone studded jacket, Matt demonstrated with his performance why he has a legion of fans.  One lucky lady was rewarded with a scarf for her enthusiasm during Matt's electrifying performance.  The audience was encouraged by all the actors to sing along during the finale.  Having the audience participate was great fun, and everyone left feeling very good about their evening at Theatre Aquarius.     

I encourage everyone to buy a ticket to see Million Dollar Quartet at Theatre Aquarius.  Whether it is your first or fourth time, you will enjoy this production.  Excelling in their roles, Kevin Aichele as Johnny Cash and Kale Penny as Carl Perkins, with long lists of professional theatre credits, give must-see performances.  Christo Graham, as a fiery Jerry Lee Lewis, is uproarious.  The character of Jerry Lee has some of the best lines in the play, and Christo delivers them brilliantly.  Maria McIntyre, an award winning actress and singer, brings power and beauty to her vocals and presence on stage.  Leon Wiley is splendid in the role of Sam Phillips beautifully conveying the emotions that his character experiences.  The four leads, who all play an instrument, are accompanied by Justin Ruppel as W.S. “Flake” Holland, and Evan Stewart as Brother Jay, who both bring musical expertise to their debut roles at Theatre Aquarius and round out a great cast.  Musical Director, Van Wilmott, brings his years as a professional musician to this production of Million Dollar Quartet.  And all ETA fans will love Matt Cage in the role he has 'rehearsed' for more than seven years.

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Matt originally had planned on meeting theatre goers in the lobby; however, a cast meeting necessitated a change in plans.  ETA fans know that the after show meet-and-greet is an integral part of the ETA/Fan relationship.  Photos are not allowed during the play; however I was able to snap a couple of photos of Matt as he left the theatre that I am pleased to share.  Thank you, Matt.  

Matt and other actors plan on appearing in the lobby after upcoming regular performances.

I wish to thank Irene, Michael, and Cathy who through their kind gesture ensured I was able to get a great seat for viewing the play for this article.

See you all soon, perhaps at my fifth MDQ performance!  Best regards, Carolyn

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