BEVERLY — It’s time to get those blue suede shoes ready. Bill Hanney’s award-winning North Shore Music Theatre (NSMT) is bringing the New England premiere of “Elvis: A Musical Revolution” to the North Shore. “Elvis: A Musical Revolution” will play from Tuesday, Oct. 31 through Sunday, Nov. 12.
“To this day, Elvis’ name still evokes excitement and immediate recognition from people all over the world as reflected by the recent smash success of Baz Luhrmann’s 2022 film and the strong early ticket sales for this new musical authorized by Elvis Presley Enterprises,” said NSMT owner and producer Bill Hanney. “Director and choreographer Kevin P. Hill will helm this production featuring a talented cast led by the dynamic newcomer Dan Berry as Elvis Presley. We are working hard to live up to the expectations of our devoted audiences as well as the legions of Elvis’ beloved fans who will be visiting us for the very first time!”
Authorized by Elvis Presley Enterprises, this bio-musical takes a closer look at the rock star and cultural icon. This new musical explores pivotal moments in Elvis’ life through the perspectives of those who knew him best. Using different lenses to dig deeper into fact vs. fiction, “Elvis: A Musical Revolution” spans from his impoverished childhood in Tupelo, Mississippi to his triumphant 1968 “Comeback Special,” and his ascent to his status as “The King.”
The Musical features more than 40 Elvis hit songs including “That’s All Right,” “Blue Moon of Kentucky,” “All Shook Up,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Burning Love,” “Good Rockin’ Tonight,” “Earth Angel,” “Hound Dog,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Are You Lonesome,” and “Blue Suede Shoes”.
This brand-new production, written by David Abbinanti (book, orchestrations, arrangements) and Sean Cercone (book), based on a concept by Floyd Mutrux, will star Dan Berry as Elvis Presley. Berry is a 2023 graduate of The University of Oklahoma with a BFA in Musical Theatre Performance. He has performed in productions of “Natasha,” “Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812,” “Rent,” and “Spring Awakening.” Berry also appeared in the film “The Line.”
The show will feature Mary Callanan as Gladys Presley, David Coffee as Colonel Tom Parker, and Bronson Norris Murphy as Sam Phillips and Frank Sinatra. Mary Callanan has appeared on Broadway in “Mamma Mia!,” “Bandstand,” and the most recent revival of “Annie.” Callanan has also appeared in the NSMT productions of “The Sound of Music,” “Kinky Boots,” and “Damn Yankees.”
Audiences will recognize David Coffee from his 28 seasons playing Ebenezer Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol,” as well as his other 34 credits at NSMT. These credits include recent productions of Disney’s “Freaky Friday,” “Singin’ in the Rain,” and Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” Bronson Norris Murphy has appeared in NSMT productions of “West Side Story,” “Cats,” “Saturday Night Fever,” and six seasons of “A Christmas Carol.” Murphy spent the last 9 years in the Broadway company of “The Phantom of the Opera” and starred as The Phantom in the American premiere of “Love Never Dies: The Phantom Returns.”
The 30-person cast of “Elvis: A Musical Revolution” will also include Alex Benitez Evans, Joe Bentley (Bill Black), Stephen Blauch (DJ Fontana), Kristen Grace Brown, Cole Campbell, Hallie Cercone, Altamiece Carolyn Cooper, Jordan Cyphert, Nichole Forde, Harry Francis, Camia Green, Hunter Henrickson (Scotty Moore), Dakota Hoar, Hailey Hyde, Gabriel Kearns (Dewey Phillips), Sylvester McCracken, Kevin B. McGlynn (Vernon Presley), Alaina Mills (Ann Margaret/ Dixie Locke), Michael Olaribigbe (Roy Brown), Alfie Parker, Jr. (Jackie Brenston/ Rev Brewster), Kiana Rodriguez, Sage Spiker, and Emma Wilcox (Priscilla Presley). Two local young performers, Patrick Naughton and Asher Stern, will share the role of Young Elvis.
“Elvis: A Musical Revolution” will be directed and choreographed by Kevin P. Hill. The creative team will also include Milton Granger (co-music director), Robert L. Rucinski (co-music director/ rehearsal pianist), Kyle Dixon (scenic design), Jack Mehler (lighting design), Alex Berg (sound design), Travis M. Grant (costume designer), Rachel Padula-Shufelt (wig and hair design), Kelly Baker (costume coordinator), Stephen MacDonald (production stage manager), Dakotah Wiley Horan (assistant stage manager), and Andrés Acosta (assistant to the choreographer/dance captain).
“Elvis: A Musical Revolution” is produced for North Shore Music Theatre by Bill Hanney (owner/producer), Kevin P. Hill (producing artistic director), and Matthew Chappell (associate producer / casting director). “Elvis: A Musical Revolution” is produced by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing.
Ticket prices for “Elvis: A Musical Revolution” are starting from $68 – $93. Performances are Oct. 31 – Nov. 12, 2023, Tuesday – Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday & Saturday at 8 p.m., matinees Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2 p.m. Kids 4 – 18 save 50% at all performances. $25 Student Rush tickets are available. For tickets and information call (978) 232-7200, go to nsmt.org, or visit the box office in person at 54 Dunham Rd., Beverly, MA.
North Shore Music Theatre will conclude the 2023 season with the annual production of “A Christmas Carol” once again starring David Coffee (Dec. 7 – 23).
