The year is 1955 and the careers of Elvis Presley, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson and Patsy Cline are heating up.
Shuswap residents are invited to the Louisiana Hayride as it rolls into Blind Bay on Friday, July 26.
The Louisiana Hayride is an entertaining re-enactment of the hit show of the same title that ran from 1948 to 1960.
It began on radio, actor and singer Gil Risling said, explaining that what made it unique was not only the calibre of talent, but the large coverage area. It broadcast over 50,000 watts, reaching across North America and, at times, into Europe.
Producer Lori Risling wrote the show based on the radio show’s premise.
The actors have studied and researched the sounds, moves, actions and tiniest characteristics of the artists they play.
“There are a lot of YouTube videos out now, so you can watch each of those actions and mannerisms directly from the artist,” says Gil.
Each artist is presented as they would have been when they appeared on the Hayride, with a young Elvis just breaking into the scene at 19-years old.
“Anybody who was anybody would appear on the Hayride during their young career,” Risling said.
The cast also pays special attention to the sound, matching their voices to that of the old-style radio or television programming.
The show’s Elvis, Adam Fitzpatrick will be heading off to compete in the World Ultimate Elvis Competition in Memphis, Tenn.
Fitzpatrick is already celebrated as one of the best to put on the signature white suit. His attention to detail is amazing, but Gil said it’s that ‘it’ factor that makes him so good.
“You can’t quite put your finger on exactly what it is,” he said, “but you just know he has it.”
The show has played to many sold-out audiences across Western Canada – including what Gil calls an amazing February show in Chilliwack that filled all 584 seats, with another 123 on a waiting list.
The curtain opens at 7:30 at Shuswap Lake Estates. Tickets at $35 can be purchased from Shuswap Lake Estates, Touch-a-Texas in the Mall at Piccadilly or Wearabouts on Alexander Street.
