MORE than 25 years have passed since the death of ELVIS PRESLEY and although there is only one ``King', the legend lives on in ELVIS TO THE MAX. Elvis to the Max is the critically acclaimed stage show starring Presley impersonator MAX PELLICANO. The show has successfully toured Australia for more than a decade and always plays to sell-out crowds.
Pellicano will perform with an orchestral string section for the first time during this 120-date eight-month tour of Australia and New Zealand.
Born in Monte Carlo, Pellicano spent most of his childhood in New York before moving to San Francisco at the age of 14.
He has been a professional actor and entertainer since 1974 when he graduated from the CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY with a degree in dramatic arts.
As an actor, he first brought Elvis to life on stage in a production of Bye Bye Birdie. ``I was doing musicals and theatre and had to study Jailhouse Rock for my role as the Elvis-type character, Conrad Birdie,'' Pellicano said.
``I studied the way he walked, the way he talked and the way he moved for months.
``I guess you could say I got into impersonating Elvis in a kind of round-about way.'' His performance led to a Presley tribute show which has since become his sole profession.
``I learnt long ago that the fans don't want the legend to die.
"I watched a lot of live concerts and it's actually kind of easy to study Elvis because I really enjoy watching his shows.'' He stresses that he is an actor recreating a character although some Presley fans see it differently.
One of his strangest requests came when a couple in Los Angeles asked him to bless their child.
With more than 6000 professional Elvis Presley impersonators in the world and countless amateurs, Pellicano has managed to stand above the rest.
Catch Elvis To the Max at WESTS LEAGUES CLUB on June 2.
Bookings can be made by calling 49351200.
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