Published: March 05, 2010

One Man Captures the Spirit of Will Rogers and Elvis on the Same Stage

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Judyth Piazza chats with Will Roberts "America's Favorite Cowboy Humorist" with Cirque du Soleil on the American Perspective Radio Program (Click here to listen)

"Boy how things can change with the drop of a cowboy hat. Last year I was jumping around the world doing my one man show "The Good Will Tour" and writing my humor column and this year I am now one of two cowboys featured in the new Cirque Du Soleil called Viva Elvis " at the City Center in the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas. It has been a wild ride in the last year and I can tell you that creating a show like this makes an 8 second ride on one of my mechanical bulls look like a joy ride.

I will say that Cirque Du Soleil is a great organization and treat their artist well. I am living a dream and one of my goals has been to recreate what Will Rogers did in his turn of the century. Will Rogers had the Ziegfeld Follies and all its spectacle, Will Roberts has Cirque Du Soleil, a modern day Ziegfeld Follies." - Will Roberts

2010 my mission remains the same:

Will's mission: Bring back common sense and communication to our world. The show is called: The Common Sense, cause that is all we can afford Tour. I meet so many people and folks spend so much time keeping it in. They are not talking to each other, just talking to themselves, and you know what happens to folks that talk to themselves, people think they are crazy. I want to talk to folks; cause people are what is all about. Bring back the history, bring back the conversation, Bring back Will Rogers, or the next best thing. . Will Roberts " The Modern Day Will Rogers.

Will Roberts Facebook Fan page

http://www.willrogersusa.com

Viva ELVIS, a harmonious fusion of dance, acrobatics and live music, is a tribute to the life and music of Elvis Presley. Nostalgia, modernity and raw emotion provide the backdrop for his immortal voice and the exhilaration and beauty of his music.

Created in the image of The King of Rock 'n' Roll " powerful, sexy, whimsical, truly unique and larger than life " the show highlights an American icon who transformed popular music and whose image embodies the freedom, excitement and turbulence of his era.

Viva ELVIS focuses on the essential humanity of the one superstar whose name will forever be linked with the history of Las Vegas: Elvis Presley. Significant moments in his life " intimate, playful and grandiose " blend with timeless songs that remain as relevant today as when they first hit the top of the charts.

The Music

In paying homage to the music of Elvis, Cirque du Soleil set out to present the songs of the King of Rock 'n' Roll in a contemporary form that evokes the spirit of Elvis in every way. Thirty of Elvis' songs are used in the production, with remixes designed to accentuate and boost the emotional charge of his performances. Elvis' voice is the only male singing voice in Viva ELVIS, joined by occasionally live female singers and an energetic live band. The only way to convey the true vitality and seductive charm of Elvis is with Elvis himself.

The Costumes

The Viva ELVIS costumes are inspired by Presley's life, his entourage, his concerts and his films. The fabulous imagination of "50s and "60s America, expressed through the cinema, advertising and magazines of the time, was a source of inspiration for costume designer Stefano Canulli.

The Theatre and Sets

The Elvis Theater, designed by Creation Director Johnny Boivin from Cirque du Soleil, has a conventional proscenium layout reminiscent of an opera house. The stage, the backstage area and wings accommodate the large-scale set elements and the need for speed in changing scenes imposed by the rapid pace of the show. Mark Fisher's set designs illustrate many of the most significant events in the life and career of Elvis.

The creative team

Artistic Guide: Guy Laliberté

Artistic Guide: Gilles Ste-Croix

Writer and Director: Vincent Paterson

Director of Creation: Armand Thomas

Musical Director and Arranger: Erich van Tourneau

Set Designer: Mark Fisher

Costume Designer: Stefano Canulli

Acrobatic performance Designer: Daniel Cola

Acrobatic Equipment and Rigging Designer: Guy St-Amour

Lighting Designer: Marc Brickman

Image Content Designer: Ivan Dudynsky

Sound Designer: Jonathan Deans

Choreographers: Napoleon and Tabitha Dumo, Mark Swanhart, Catherine Archambault

Props Designer: Patricia Ruel

Makeup Designer: Nathalie Gagné

Viva ELVIS is presented exclusively in the custom-built Elvis Theater at ARIA Resort & Casino at CityCenter in Las Vegas. The international cast of 76 artists is comprised of dancers, musicians, singers, acrobats as well as lasso artists and an actor.

TICKET PRICES

Viva ELVIS ticket prices are $175, $150, $125 and $99.

Please consult the most current show schedule at www.cirquedusoleil.com/vivaelvis.

Viva ELVIS will be performed Friday through Tuesday at 7:00 pm & 9:30 pm. There will be no shows on Wednesdays or Thursdays.

TO RESERVE TICKETS

By phone: 877-253-5847 or 702-531-2031

Online: www.cirquedusoleil.com/vivaelvis

In person: At the Elvis Theater box office at ARIA Resort & Casino at CityCenter or any of the MGM MIRAGE box offices in Las Vegas.

Source: The Student Operated Press