Theatre Review: ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts
Dr. Mark Dreisonstok - MD Theatre Guide
January 20, 2025
Hope Blahusch and Elliott Litherland as Ann-Margaret and Elvis Presley. Photo by Suzzanne Carr Rossi.
This production of “Heartbreak Hotel” at the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, produced by artistic director Patrick A’Hearn, presents the biography of Elvis Presley, the “King of Rock and Roll,” in a stylistic and entertaining way. The famous entertainer’s inexorable progression towards fame is told using three Elvis characters—as an 11-year-old child, a high school student, and a successful celebrity. The story is told in a non-linear way, so the different musical styles from different periods (gospel, country, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and even jazz) are mixed well throughout the performance. The show illustrates effectively how Elvis blended these various genres to create a style all his own.
It is, of course, difficult to replicate Elvis’ iconic character, but the Elvis actors (Elliott Litherland as Elvis, Luke Purcell as Teen Elvis, and Grayson Lewis as Kid Elvis) portray him in a wonderful way that surely brings back nostalgic memories for many theatre-goers. Mr. Litherland sounds more than looks like the original Elvis Presley, but his voice and successful imitations of Elvis’ movements are crucial to his performance. Elvis fans will enjoy their favorite tunes performed live, including “Love Me Tender” (sung in a duet with an engaging Mason Blaine as Frank Sinatra), “Heartbreak Hotel” (in a highly-stylized version, well-choreographed by director Jacquez Linder-Long and assistant director Stephanie Wood), and “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” The last of these is performed engagingly in duet by Mr. Litherland and Kiley Ernest in a sympathetic portrayal of Elvis’ girlfriend, and later wife, Priscilla.
A pre-Elvis era number “Walking in the Rain” added to the 1950s atmosphere. When Elvis’s mother Gladys (portrayed earnestly by Sheri Hayden) passes away during his military service, a very solemn and moving “Peace in the Valley” is sung with great emotion by a gospel-style choir and ensemble.
The orchestra’s strongest moment is in the musical number “You’re the Boss” in which “Elvis and Ann-Margret” sing in a duet. A strong aggregation of musicians, led by Carson Eubank, bring out the jazz noir sound with the rhythm and trumpets blaring mysteriously. Hope Blahusch is in top dancing and singing form as sultry singer/actress Ann-Margaret. She also plays the devoted, sweet Dixie Locke (Elvis’ high school sweetheart) and tells MD Theatre Guide that she has had “so much fun finding not only the differences in their characters but their physicality.” She encourages audiences to watch for “This Train is Bound for Glory.” “It’s just such a high energy, fun song that the audience and all of us backstage love to watch!” Indeed, Leo Jasper Davis shines in leading ensemble members in this gospel number as the Rev. Brewster.
Designed by Erin Welsh, the costumes are excellent in bringing out alternately the innocence and then teenage of 1950s fashions. The sets are minimalist, but flashing Broadway show lights and projections of authentic black-and-white photos transport the audience into the era’s recording and television studios.
“Heartbreak Hotel” has a strong appeal beyond an Elvis fan base (with its tale of hard work and talent leading to success), deals honestly with the complex relationships in Elvis’ life.
Running Time: Two hours with a 15-minute intermission.
Advisory: Contains some profanity.
“Heartbreak Hotel” runs through March 2, 2025 at the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, 95 Riverside Parkway, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22406. For more information and to purchase tickets, call the Box Office at (540) 370-4300, Sunday: 12pm – 3pm, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 10am – 6pm, Thursday, Friday: 10am – 7:30pm, and Saturday: 12pm – 7:30pm, or go online.