https://glamadelaide.com.au/theatre-review-elvis-by-anthony-petrucci/

The King lives on in the form of Anthony Petrucci in this energetic tribute

5 *****

Presented by: Markus Hamence Presents and Torre Entertainment
Reviewed: 1 February, 2025

Audience members at the Regal Theatre could be forgiven for thinking they had gone back in time last night, as they danced in the aisles to a set list of Elvis’s greatest hits. Anthony Petrucci looks and sounds so much like The King that it’s eerie. He has the moves and the body language down, and every nuance of the vocals — from the tone, to that iconic fast, wide vibrato, to the way he cuts off consonants — is perfect.

The sets were packed with hits, from Elvis’s early rock’n’roll era, such as Blue Suede Shoes, Hound Dog, and Jailhouse Rock, through his pop and movie career songs, including hits like Return To Sender, Viva Las Vegas, and Stop Look and Listen, and into his later recordings such as Suspicious Minds and Moody Blue. The house was singing along to Elvis’s cover of the Neil Diamond classic Sweet Caroline, and grooving to his version of Chuck Berry’s Johnny B Goode. Petrucci only spoke a little between songs, recognising that it was the music that the crowd really wanted.

Petrucci was supported by a flawless band, including Ryan Di Cecco on bass, Marco Agius on drums, Daniel Agius on keys, and Grover Harris on electric guitar. Together they brought the house down with unmistakable riffs from these unforgettable songs. While the sound balance was a little drums-heavy initially, after a few songs this was remedied by the sound tech and we were able to hear those brilliant guitar and keys solos.

While Elvis Presley’s life was undoubtedly full of ups and downs, particularly in his later life, this concert was a real celebration of what made him The King of rock’n’roll and pop, and why, even nearly 50 years after his death, Elvis’s legacy and songs live on.

Venue: The Regal Theatre
Season: Ended

Image Credit: Chowie Photography

https://onyourmarkus.au/reviews/elvis-by-anthony-petrucci/

Anthony Petrucci’s Elvis performance is nothing short of spectacular, capturing and on-point. The moment he steps on stage, it’s clear that this isn’t just another Elvis tribute act. Petrucci has an undeniable presence that commands attention, a quality that is essential when channeling the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. His ability to embody the charisma, energy, and magic that Elvis exuded is remarkable and refreshing at the same time.

Anthony plays the ‘young’ Elvis, and this is needed in a world of the jumpsuit shows we see (nothing wrong with that). He’s handsome, the audience loved him and his charismatic charm was instantly like-able. Let’s chat the talent though…

One of the standout elements of Petrucci’s performance is his voice. While many Elvis tribute artists focus on mimicking the iconic sound, Petrucci strikes the perfect balance between imitation and authenticity. His vocal delivery captures the rich tones of Elvis, whether he’s belting out the powerful chorus of ‘Suspicious Minds’ or crooning the tender notes of ‘Are You Lonesome Tonight’. There’s a rawness and emotion in his voice that pulls the audience into the moment, as if they’re witnessing the real Elvis perform live.

Beyond the voice, Petrucci has clearly put in the work to perfect the physicality of Elvis’s stage presence. His movements – be it the classic Elvis swivel or the more understated sways – are executed with such precision that it’s easy to forget you’re watching a tribute artist. He doesn’t simply recreate Elvis’s moves; he makes them his own while staying true to the spirit of the King’s live performances.

One of the most impressive aspects of Petrucci’s show is his ability to connect with the audience. Like Elvis, he has a knack for making the crowd feel as though they are part of the performance. His energy is infectious, and it’s clear that he feeds off the crowd’s reactions, building a symbiotic relationship that makes each show unique.

Anthony Petrucci’s Elvis tribute performance isn’t just a old trip down memory lane – it’s a living, breathing celebration of Elvis Presley’s legacy. The show doesn’t feel like a mere impersonation; instead, Petrucci brings the legend back to life in a way that honours the past while creating something new and exciting in the present. Honestly, if you closed your eyes you’d think the conspiracies of him still being alive are true!

The band were electric and tight and supported their ‘king’ to perfection. Fine musicianship who know not only their music BUT the Elvis catalogue. Bravo!

So a keen, lifelong Elvis fan or just someone who appreciates great live entertainment, Anthony Petrucci’s performance is one you won’t want to miss. His show is a testament to the timeless appeal of Elvis, proving that the King’s spirit lives on in the hearts of fans – and in the skilful performance of Anthony Petrucci.

And I have to mention my personal favourites ‘That’s All Right’, ‘Viva Las Vegas’ and ‘Jailhouse Rock’.

“Stars?” You ask?

*****

Image Credit: Adelaide City of Festivals (Kim)

https://www.elvis.com.au/presley/elvis-by-request-concert-tour.shtml

As part of the promotion for the Elvis By Request CD, Sony Music Australia organized the 'Elvis By Request Concert Tour' with Anthony Petrucci as Elvis. I went along to the Melbourne concert on Friday November 1 to see what it was really like. Firstly the show was not an impersonation of an Elvis concert, nor was or is Anthony Petrucci what I would call an Elvis Impersonator. No more than Kurt Russell is in being an actor in the movie, 'Elvis'. So, that said, on with the show ... To a virtually packed house Anthony Petrucci performed songs that are on the CD release starting with those nominated by members of the audience by filling out a form pre-show. The show had two sets with an interval and Anthony used the changes plus one other to use three sets of stage costume, two 50s Elvis style and ending with the '68 Comeback white suit, all looking excellent.

To my surprise I must say I enjoyed the show. Anthony sang and performed well and indeed not only promoted the CD, served Elvis' memory well as a fan fortunate enough not only to be able to sing well, but come across effortlessly sounding a lot like Elvis on almost every song, with A Little Less Conversation getting I think the biggest response as people quickly recognized the music and indeed Anthony's performance was quite remarkable. Before I conclude, I would like to add that Anthony has developed an interesting 'trait' of 'Elvis jokes', that weren't, you recognize them clearly but the words are completely different and original which is a big plus to his performance.

The show ended with the top ten songs as voted by the Australian fans, 10-1, ending with An American Trilogy.

So to conclude, if you are at all interested in live shows, even if you are like me and don't normally go for impersonators, consider giving this a go. The shows are mostly sold out but there are tickets available.

Image Credit: David Troedson