Elvis Is In The Building
Donation protected
August 16th, 1977. I was 6 years old, and the King of Rock n Roll was dead.
I vividly remember sitting in my cousin Traci’s bedroom in Pelham, NH staring at the poster that adorned her wood-paneled walls. He was dressed all in white with rhinestones that glittered in the stage lights. His slightly chubbier but still handsome face gazed out into the crowd as he sang to swooning girls that would give anything just to catch a glimpse of him. Big hair, long sideburns, lots of rings and a red lei around his neck. At the bottom of the poster, it read: 1935-1977.
I was raised by parents that grew up in the 50’s. My early childhood was spent listening to Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Jerry Lee Lewis. I acquired a great love and appreciation for poodle skirts and motorcycles, T-Birds and Pink Ladies, pony tails and pompadours. My two aunts, Joan and Carol were huge Elvis fans. I have them to thank for my introduction to and love for The King.
Just after I graduated from USC’s School of Theatre, I had an idea. I wanted to turn my love of Elvis into a show that others could enjoy. It was going to be amazing! I would write several short plays that somehow revolved around the idea of Elvis and I would have singing and dancing…what could be better?!?! I wrote my first play, The Sandwich. I was on my way! Then I got writer’s block. For ten years. I tried to revisit the idea on and off, writing, re-writing, hating it, loving it, trying to come up with other ideas for other scripts. I finally finished Ella, after a million and one re-writes, but still, I only had two short plays. How the hell was I going to make an evening of theatre out of two short plays?
Then I got an idea. “Why don’t I just ask other writers to contribute?” After constant prodding (and maybe just to shut me up, who knows?) Careful What You Wish was written by my husband. He cranked that puppy out in a day. But I didn’t care; it was good, and it would fit in perfectly with my vision. King 4 A Day was written by my good friend Dodd as a birthday gift to his mom. Throw in some songs and a few dance numbers, and voila! Elvis Is In The Building.
It was a dream come true to have this vision that had been in my mind for so long finally make it to the stage. In January of 2014, the show came to life. It was a hit. Some of the things people said about the first show:
“..well balanced and very well put together..”
“..had many layers and moods and lots of talent..”
“..loved how after all these years the King still touches so many lives!!!”
“..takes the audience on an unpredictable and thoroughly enjoyable romp…with a healthy dose of imagination..”
It was my intention to produce this show every year in January, as a way of celebrating Elvis’s birthday. But, things happen, unforeseen circumstances throw monkey wrenches your way and things don’t always go as planned. Last year, though, I was lucky enough to find a new theatrical home at the Actors Workout Studio in North Hollywood, CA. Because of this, I get to produce my show again. And wouldn’t you know it—just in time for the fortieth anniversary of The King’s death. Sometimes things do work out.
So I thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me re-mount this project that has meant so much to me. I hope to see every one of your smiling faces in audience.
www.fringetheatreco.com
I vividly remember sitting in my cousin Traci’s bedroom in Pelham, NH staring at the poster that adorned her wood-paneled walls. He was dressed all in white with rhinestones that glittered in the stage lights. His slightly chubbier but still handsome face gazed out into the crowd as he sang to swooning girls that would give anything just to catch a glimpse of him. Big hair, long sideburns, lots of rings and a red lei around his neck. At the bottom of the poster, it read: 1935-1977.
I was raised by parents that grew up in the 50’s. My early childhood was spent listening to Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Jerry Lee Lewis. I acquired a great love and appreciation for poodle skirts and motorcycles, T-Birds and Pink Ladies, pony tails and pompadours. My two aunts, Joan and Carol were huge Elvis fans. I have them to thank for my introduction to and love for The King.
Just after I graduated from USC’s School of Theatre, I had an idea. I wanted to turn my love of Elvis into a show that others could enjoy. It was going to be amazing! I would write several short plays that somehow revolved around the idea of Elvis and I would have singing and dancing…what could be better?!?! I wrote my first play, The Sandwich. I was on my way! Then I got writer’s block. For ten years. I tried to revisit the idea on and off, writing, re-writing, hating it, loving it, trying to come up with other ideas for other scripts. I finally finished Ella, after a million and one re-writes, but still, I only had two short plays. How the hell was I going to make an evening of theatre out of two short plays?
Then I got an idea. “Why don’t I just ask other writers to contribute?” After constant prodding (and maybe just to shut me up, who knows?) Careful What You Wish was written by my husband. He cranked that puppy out in a day. But I didn’t care; it was good, and it would fit in perfectly with my vision. King 4 A Day was written by my good friend Dodd as a birthday gift to his mom. Throw in some songs and a few dance numbers, and voila! Elvis Is In The Building.
It was a dream come true to have this vision that had been in my mind for so long finally make it to the stage. In January of 2014, the show came to life. It was a hit. Some of the things people said about the first show:
“..well balanced and very well put together..”
“..had many layers and moods and lots of talent..”
“..loved how after all these years the King still touches so many lives!!!”
“..takes the audience on an unpredictable and thoroughly enjoyable romp…with a healthy dose of imagination..”
It was my intention to produce this show every year in January, as a way of celebrating Elvis’s birthday. But, things happen, unforeseen circumstances throw monkey wrenches your way and things don’t always go as planned. Last year, though, I was lucky enough to find a new theatrical home at the Actors Workout Studio in North Hollywood, CA. Because of this, I get to produce my show again. And wouldn’t you know it—just in time for the fortieth anniversary of The King’s death. Sometimes things do work out.
So I thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me re-mount this project that has meant so much to me. I hope to see every one of your smiling faces in audience.
www.fringetheatreco.com
Organizer
Stacy Ann Raposa
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA
