Veteran Las Vegas performer Steve Connolly has reprised his award-winning role as the legendary Elvis Presley in a stage production, “The Spirit of the King,” at the Cascade Lounge of the Spa Resort Casino.
Connolly has mastered Presley’s physical mannerisms, nuances and dance moves in a musical tribute that includes many of The King’s classics. And that’s not all! Remarkably, while performing the hour and a half show, Connolly paints a large scale Elvis portrait on stage. Adding to the fun was Bobby Darin impersonator Fleet Easton who opened the show, and Marilyn Monroe look-alike Cat Lyn Day who performed a rendition of the star’s famous song: “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend.” The show also featured poignant videos on Palm Springs history including tributes to the luminaries who brought fame to the city.
The show’s producers and Connolly have generously partnered with local charities, providing programs with a share of ticket purchase, and donates many of the Elvis Portraits to participating local non profits including: The Stroke Recovery Center; Loving All Animals; Gilda’s Club; Pegasus Organization; and Desert ARC.
On a recent visit to the local non-profit facility at Desert ARC, Connolly spent time dancing, painting and joking with special needs children who responded with delight to Connolly’s warmth, humor and generosity.
Connolly’s paintings are on view at the Michael H. Lord Gallery in Uptown Palm Springs.
The show is now exploring options for making “Spirit of the King” a permanent attraction in Palm Springs. To learn more about the show, visit the web site: www.spiritoftheking.com
Michael H. Lord Gallery
1090 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA 92262
760-699-8957
www.michaelhlordgallery.com
Photography by: Gregg Felsen
