Review: Love Me Tender - Liverpool Empire
Set in 1950's America in "a small you never heard of town somewhere in the Mid-West", the residents are All Shook up by the arrival of a hip-swivelling stranger called Chad played by Ben Lewis. As the cast try to work out whether he is friend or foe, what ensues is a cacophony of emotions and a few check ins to the Heartbreak Hotel.
Produced by Adam Spiegler productions, Robert G. Bartner and the Ambassador Theatre group, the musical was high quality throughout.
The musical contains 25 songs which were beautifully intertwined into the storyline and each time a character found themselves falling in love, the same song was sung One night with you. It became a cue to the audience that romance was afoot. The audience responded appreciatively with outbursts of laughter and applause.
The opening scene sees prisoners behind bars, pacing the stage, working out and even using the toilet. Jailhouse Rock is performed as the opening number with fantastic choreography and high energy. Mica Paris proceeds to belt out Heartbreak Hotel and is joined by the rest of the cast with their killer harmonies.
Mica Paris' vocal ability is second to none throughout and she is supported by an extremely strong talented and capable cast. Laura Tebbutt who plays Natalie is outstanding as is Mark Anderson who plays Dennis. Not forgetting the charismatic Ben Lewis who plays Chad. Their performance of the songs would undoubtedly make Elvis proud.
Shaun Williamson was superb and you could not help but feel endeared towards his character. Aretha Ayeh who played Lorraine was fantastic, her performance of That's all right with her stage mother Sylvia (Mica Paris) was outstanding.
A highlight for me was when Mica performed Can't help falling in love I had goosebumps upon goosebumps.
The musical is about forbidden love and being brave enough to follow your heart and your dreams. It touches on being so much in love that you are willing to risk everything despite what others people's perceptions are. It highlights the nonsensical views of people who judge others for how they love. Sian Reeves was excellent in her role of Mayor Matilda Hyde as she tries to project an image of all things decency. We eventually understand what underlies her views on inter-racial dating. Her character is prudish and unwittingly humorous. Sian played the character with finesse.
Unfortunately, there was one element of a scene which made uncomfortable viewing. Klu Klux Klan members appeared on stage in red cloaks and pointed hats dancing around frivolously. In my view, it was an unnecessary inclusion and the fact that they wore red did nothing to negate the negative connotation of the movement. Conversely, the next scene was outstanding and Mica raised the bar and lifted my mood with a warm, heartfelt rendition of There's always me. You could literally hear a pin drop.
Felix Mosse played the part of Lorraine's love interest Dean Hyde and gave a strong performance, in parts his American accent was not as consistent as his counterparts. That said he gave a credible performance as did Chris Howell who played the sheriff.
The show ended with the Liverpool audience showing the cast some Northern love and reciprocating with a standard ovation and loud singing voices. The feel good factor was high and people left happier than they arrived.
Whilst I am not an enthusiast when it comes to Elvis' music, I have an appreciation of his hits and this was a fine showcase of some of his collection of songs.It's hilarious, endearing and most of all a hunk a hunk of burning love. It is a show full of soul with show stopping performances by all of the cast. Would I watch this again? Abso-bloomin lutely. It was excellent! Love Me Tender runs from 10th August until Saturday 15th August. Tickets are available here
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