Theatre by the Sea closes out its 2025 season with “Heartbreak Hotel,” the jukebox musical featuring over 40 songs from the King of Rock & Roll, Elvis Presley. The show chronicles Elvis’ life from his dirt-poor childhood in Memphis through his 1968 TV special on NBC, often called his comeback show.
The younger Elvis (Laird LaCoste) dabbles in many forms of music, from soul to opera. When we first meet him, he’s a white kid hanging around a “Black music” store. When 19-year-old Elvis (Joe Hebel) shows up at a recording studio to tape a birthday message for his mom, he’s got a sound that no one’s ever heard before.
Sun Records’ producer Sam Phillips (Kevin Patrick Martin) puts together a jam session for Elvis, who finally stumbles on something entirely new. “A totally new sound,” Phillips exclaims. “A revolution.”
Long story short, Elvis breaks through. His world explodes when Phillips manages to get Elvis’ music played on the radio. Enter Colonel Tom Parker (Kevin B. McGlynn), the manager who buys out Elvis’ contract and gets Elvis on TV.
Famously, Elvis’ below-the-waist gyrations are not safe for television. There’s a fun montage of moments with producers for shows hosted by personalities like Steve Allen and Ed Sullivan. Fred Sullivan Jr., playing the producer of both shows, tells Elvis that the shows don’t allow “lewd movements.”
“So shoot me from the waist up,” says Elvis.
Elvis and his music – called rock & roll – create a stir, both with young people, who love him and it, and older folks, who don’t love either. Testifying before a congressional hearing, Frank Sinatra (Kevin Patrick Martin) tells how he deplores rock & roll and its performers, who are just “a bunch of incoherent goons.”
Eventually, even Sinatra caves in to the Elvis juggernaut, inviting the King to appear on Sinatra’s TV special to sing a duet. Sinatra sings Elvis’ “Love Me Tender” while Elvis sings Sinatra’s “Witchcraft.”
But enough about the story. Let’s talk about the performances.
First, there are several energetic and entertaining dances. Nikki Snelson, who both directed and choreographed the show, produced numbers that sounded and looked authentic to the time. Well done.
Special mention goes to Julia Fleckensteinfor her appearances as Ann Margret, complete with Ms. Margret’s signature moves. When she’s putting her moves on Elvis in “You’re the Boss,” she manages to seduce the entire audience.
There are a few tender moments in the show, especially when Elvis sings “Can’t Help Falling in Love” to his newborn baby and when Elvis teaches Priscilla (Emma Wilcox) to play the guitar in “Are You Lonesome Tonight.”
Kudos to McGlynn’s performance as the irascible Colonel Parker, the man who molded the Elvis legend. Kudos also to Sullivan and Melanie Souza as Presley’s parents, Vernon and Gladys. Vernon sees his son as a meal ticket, while Gladys instills all the good she can. That’s especially evident when Elvis is drafted and refuses to let anyone get him out of it. “I’m a regular guy,” he says, “and regular guys get drafted.” Thanks, Mom.
The star of “Heartbreak Hotel” is of course Elvis. Both of them. LaCoste is perfection as the younger Elvis, who appears throughout the show in flashbacks, and in conversations with his older self. This 12-year-old has an amazing future ahead. Watch for him.
Hebel is simply amazing as Elvis. He starts off as a 19-year-old and takes the King past his 33rd birthday. As the character ages, Hebel’s “Elvis” matures, both in his mannerisms and his voice. Hebel’s performance is not an impersonation. It’s more an interpretation while staying true to the Elvis almost everyone knows.
If you’re an Elvis fan, you’ll love “Heartbreak Hotel.” Not a big Elvis fan? Not a problem. You’ll no doubt recognize most of the music and you will enjoy the show.
“Heartbreak Hotel” runs through September 14 at Theatre by the Sea in Matunuck. For tickets and information, visit www.theatrebythesea.com or call the box office at 401-782-TKTS.