Thrilling Adventures of Elvis in Space
 SAN FRANCISCO FRINGE FESTIVAL AUDIENCE REVIEWS
HOME / FRINGE PLAYS / TO REVIEW A PLAY / RECENT REVIEWS
CLICK HERE FOR RECENT REVIEWS

CLICK ON PLAY FOR AUDIENCE REVIEWS FOR THAT PLAY

Abducted
Action!
Asian for Dummies
Ball and Daisy Chain
Can You See Me?
Certain Things...
Chinese Clown Cabaret
Cincinatti
Come Fly With Me Nude
Comedy on the Square
divagation
Faker
Flame and the Stone
Flower Murderer
Framework
Future Folkloric
Hollywoodland
Home/Darkness
Hooray for Speech...
It's Stupid to Steal...
Late Night With God
Long-Form Improv &...
m.i. blue's TWILITE...
Magic @ the Fringe
Moliere Than Thou
nEO-sURREALISTS Present
Other American Stories
Oui Be Negroes
PAIN
Quarter Into It
Rabbit Causes Dog
Rap Canterbury Tales
Reframing the Hourglass
Short and Sweet...
some life
Subhuman-True Tales...
This Love Train...
Thrilling Adventures...
Tonight: The Harsh …
Under the Counter...
Viva Karaoke!...
Viva Vivi
Wrestling an Alligator
Young War
Zeppelin Beach Improv
 

Play: The Thrilling Adventures of Elvis In Space
Reviewer: Bill Wiley
Reviewer Email: bwiley@nbc.com
Rating: 4 Stars
Hey Elvis gang. Your show was a lot of fun. It was really tight and enjoyable to watch. It was part musical, part comedy,part political satire and all fun. Thanks and keep up the good work.


Play: The Thrilling Adventures of Elvis in Space
Reviewer: david sophia siegel
Reviewer Email: davidsophia@gmail.com
Rating: 4 Stars
This was funny. It moved fast, it kept my attention, it was witty and creative - very inventive... Elvis was great (esp. the "Wa-wa" face)... Stevie was fabulous (I love stevie), robot charlie hodges was super duper... nice job, everybody!...


Play: The Thrilling Adventures of Elvis in Space
Reviewer: Nikole
Reviewer Email: chicken.lady@juno.com
Rating: 5 Stars
I have a special place in my heart for Memphis, so seeing this play made me immeasurably happy. I thought that the play was hilarious, and I was grateful that the actor playing Elvis could REALLY sing. I think that Rimma Dreyband's portrayal of Robot Charlie Hodge was perhaps the highlight of the show. Oh, how I love to watch robots dance. If you want to see Elvis in his blue suede space boots, if you want to hear some fascinating commercials, if you want to laugh and have a good time, then you'll see this play


Play: Elvis in Space
Reviewer: Barrett
Reviewer Email:
Rating: 5 Stars
Really funny, creative play. Great concept, strong direction and clever story. Good script too. Stevie is hella funny.


Play: Elvis in Space
Reviewer: sandy w
Reviewer Email: ginger_altoids@hotmail.com
Rating: 4 Stars
This was a fun romp. Elvis can sing, thank god. All the actors were wonderful. If you are looking for more of an intellectual show then look elsewhere, this is plain and simple. Good times


Play: the thrilling adventures of elvis in space
Reviewer: annika
Reviewer Email:
Rating: 2 Stars
generally stupid and sophomoric.
I liked robot charlie hodges,
and the general premise of elvis being the hero of a space opera has promise.
Also there's some Bush-bashing,
which is always enjoyable.
Anyway, if you're into something goofy and unpolished, and the show description appeals to you, go for it. Otherwise, be very careful.


Play: The Thrilling Adventures of Elvis in Space
Reviewer: Gabrielle Pope
Reviewer Email: gpope_1998@yahoo.com
Rating: 4 Stars
Great show! I thoroughly enjoyed this play. Cleverly written with a talented, together cast. Stevie was my favorite character. Length was perfect as well. Only criticism, which isn't really about the play, was that there was poor ventilation in the theatre.


Play: Thrilling Adventures of Elvis in Space
Reviewer: Kathy
Reviewer Email:
Rating: 4 Stars
Very funny!


Play: The Thrilling Adventures of Elvis in Space
Reviewer: Maryann Faricy
Reviewer Email: gromitgirl@hotmail.com
Rating: 5 Stars
Very enjoyable - I laughed throughout the play. Favorite performances were by Biraj, Brian and Paco, though all were really good...can't wait for the next installment so I can find out if Elvis will find his mama.


Play: Elvis in Space
Reviewer: Linda
Reviewer Email:
Rating: 4 Stars
Ridiculously hilarious, wacky and completely over-the-top zany!!! That's what the Fringe is all about right? There's only 1 more show left so don't miss it! Love the guy mixing the music. Elvis really need to speak up more though.


Play: Thrilling Adventures Of Elvis In Space
Reviewer: Javier Bergeron
Reviewer Email: javierb@msnbc.com
Rating: 4 Stars
I thought Elvis In Space was really well done. The other Fringe shows I saw felt as if they had just been written and I was in a rehearsal. Elvis In Space looked and sounded as if they had been on the road for awhile with this production. The actors gave their all, and the direction was great. Tim Roberts was great as Elvis. The surreal plot was strengthened by his acting and singing. It was enjoyable to watch good comedic actors at work. I couldn't stop laughing at Stevie. There were some problems though. I thought the lighting of the show kept me from really getting into the split story line. Some times I couldn't here some of the actors. The story wasn't daring but not all theatre needs to be a walk on the dark side. I think if audience approval and entertainment count for anything I think The Thrilling Adventures Of Elvis In Space should not leave the building but continue on until the king finds his real mamma.


Play: Elvis in Space
Reviewer:
Reviewer Email:
Rating: 5 Stars
Absolutely hilarious! Loved it, as did the sold out crowd. Don't miss this fun show--one of the best of fringe!


Play: the thrilling adventures of Elvis in Space
Reviewer: TJ
Reviewer Email:
Rating: 3 Stars
Wonderful Idea greatly diminished by many cliche references to American politics.


Play: Thrilling Adventures of Elvis
Reviewer: kensek
Reviewer Email:
Rating: 4 Stars
Thrilling Adventures of Elvis is a hunka hunka hunka fun. You get the Elvis in Vegas persona, complete with the white outfit and karate moves during this camp comedy interspersed with pieces of vintage Elvis songs. The topic is admittedly light (Elvis in space in search of his mother), but this performance can definitely balance your mood if the previous show you attend is on the heavy side. Have a fried banana sandwich, don’t bother shaving the sideburns and come out and watch. The actor portraying Elvis even sounds like him when singing.


Play: The Thrilling Adventures of Elvis in Space
Reviewer: Edward Champion
Reviewer Email: ed@edrants.com
Rating: 4 Stars
Combine Elvis, a ham-handed B-movie plot (split into three parts) performed with brio, a love for Jay Ward cartoons transposed to the stage (the announcer in the hat was excellent), swipes at Scientology, Haliburton, Nixon and advertising, a strangely endearing hawker dressed in an obvious wig (who seemed as intentionally mystified as the audience), a sound man mixing live on stage, and an ensemble that changes costumes almost as frequently as they appear on stage. You'll have something close to "Elvis in Space." The cast was energetic and the humor was unapologetically culled from folks who have read every issue of MAD Magazine. For all of its simplicity, "Elvis in Space" works -- precisely because it is determined to run with its cheesy concepts and entertain. If I have any beef with the show, I had hoped the play's finale would go more Oedipal.

Edward Champion
Writer/Director, "Wrestling an Alligator"


Play: thrilling adventures of elvis in space
Reviewer: christy
Reviewer Email:
Rating: 4 Stars
We enjoyed the play and look forward to more from this playwrite. I thought there were only two flaws, the 'kiddyshow' type announcer seemed a little lame, perhaps a more extreme costume would work. Also, I felt that a handful of red confetti to accentuate the head explosions would not have been out of place. Two small weak points in an otherwise wonderful, quick-moving, and funny play.


Play: Elvis in space
Reviewer: Papi Menon
Reviewer Email: papi.menon@gmail.com
Rating: 3 Stars
The good news is that Elvis can sing. For the rest, the play was pretty disappointing. I've seen far better at the Fringe. For a situation rife with such possibility (Elvis in space in search of his Mama), the jokes felt contrived. Evil Texan cowboy demon?? Come on!


Play: Elvis In Space
Reviewer: Shandra Lewis
Reviewer Email: slewis@cnet.com
Rating: 5 Stars
I saw the show on opening night and loved it. My friend saw it on sunday and told me I had to review it because I made him go and he reviewed it. So, I thought it was the most fun I have had in San Francisco in a long while. For 50 minutes I was completely engaged and laughing my ass off. Who thought of this. Where can I see more of the Atomic Radio Hour performances? Please do more. I loved Elvis and Capt E and all the commercials. I thought Stevie was the best part of a great show. Is stevie single? I could use a loyal, nerdy super sweet man in my life. Good job and I hope you win the best of the fringe thingy.
Shandra


Play: Elvis In Space
Reviewer: Elvis Aaron Presley
Reviewer Email: elvis@amiblue.net
Rating: 5 Stars
Hey man, I,uh, didn't know the Lisa Marie could fly. What the hell happened to me? I mean I look vaguely Filipino. I loved the show but I thought there was too much cursing and not enough dancing, man. Is stevie on my payroll? That Capt E fella sure is nice and all but he should take it easy on the kids. They're just kids,man. Don't blame timmy. Its cool to see my name being used for such charitable causes. This was for charity right? Hell man, this made me so damn happy I might even stage another comeback special. This time with the cast of Elvis In Space. Thank you very much.


Play: Elvis In Space
Reviewer: J. W. A. Garcia
Reviewer Email: qooling@earthlink.net
Rating: 5 Stars
Can a 40's-style radio serial about a futuristic space adventure with Oedipal overtones starring a 1950's rock and/or roll icon (in his Seventies-style jumpsuit), "sponsored" by nefarious 21st century organizations like Haliburton be convincing on a small San Francisco stage? Amazingly, the answer is YES. All it takes is a sly, witty script; energetic, comicly-gifted actors; well-placed music and sound; and fast-paced, expert direction. The rest takes care of itself. Though that may seem like damning with bold praise, in fact this is a production that knows how to take care of business. After only a few minutes, one quickly finds credibility in the notion that had Elvis been in possession of a spacecraft (who's to say he did not?), a loyal crew (the Memphis Aeronautical Mafia, perhaps) and been presented with the possibility of seeing his beloved mother again, events would have unfolded as presented here. And why wouldn't noted ne'er-do-wells like Richard Nixon, Pat Robertson, and George W. Bush appear to create has much hardship and havoc on a cosmic sphere as they have on this one? Plus, how can one resist the genius of a Robot Charlie Hodge and a Captain E? Plausibility shook hands with absurdity to become powerful allies and, with deft humor and a surprise twist(ed) ending, collude to create a thought-provoking and satisfying 50 minutes of theatre.


Play: Elvis in Space
Reviewer: Senna
Reviewer Email:
Rating: 5 Stars
Wow, what a cool show. I can't wait to see what they do for Sinatra. The guy who does all the commercials is really funny, the ladies are beautiful AND funny, the sounds are right on, Stevie is bizarre and funny, Capt E is great and I want to marry the announcer. Yea.


Play: Thrilling Adventures of Elvis in Space
Reviewer: Brandon Charles
Reviewer Email:
Rating: 5 Stars
This is one interesting and funny show. A great format--part radio show part musical. Elvis was awesome and so was the glittery jumpsuit. Really funny script. Go see it!


Play: Thrilling Adventures of Elvis in Space
Reviewer: Jennifer Barnes
Reviewer Email:
Rating: 5 Stars
What a great show!! Went to see it opening night. The guy played Elvis really well, nice voice. Hilarious script. I especially liked the radio commercials. Recommended!


Play: Elvis in Space!
Reviewer: Lesley
Reviewer Email:
Rating: 5 Stars
An awesome show with a talented ensemble, excellent direction and incredible sound!!! Each actor steals the show in their own unique way with their enthusiasm and skill! I loved the concept and the performances! This is a must see!


Play: The Thrilling Adventures of Elvis in Space
Reviewer: Jay Martin
Reviewer Email: scenography@hotmail.com
Rating: 4 Stars
High-concept goofy -- and that's all right, mama -- this show has silly voices as well as subtle interplay between the characters, as if they really had been on a years-long trek together and nerves were wearing thin. Poor Elvis travels to a planet where his heartful voice is hurtful. All the actors give their all, even when their role is only an alien with an exploding head. Some advice to the producers: See if you can cut a big mouth hole in the Nixon mask. Also, Elvis could be a little louder -- vocally, that is. His white satin suit with the rhinestone eagle is plenty loud.


Play: Elvis In Space
Reviewer: Kenny
Reviewer Email: kenny@illbilly.com
Rating: 5 Stars
Elvis in Space is REALLY funny. Everything is done well and Paco Romane kills as Stevie. It is clear that a lot of hard work and love went into this production.


Play: The Thrilling Adventures of Elvis in Space
Reviewer: Kathryn Saussy
Reviewer Email:
Rating: 5 Stars
I had the extreme pleasure of seeing this on opening night -- so wacko!! What a hilarious show -- Jeremy Jorgenson has written a terrific radio play (what a great concept) & Laura Davis' skilled direction has guided the radio play to a show that works very well for the stage. The entire cast is terrifc; Paco Romane is absolutely first-rate as Elvis' lovable sidekick. And Elvis can sing! (I love how this play shows Elvis' troubled side...) And it would not be a true radio play for the stage without Sound. And boy, is there ever! Sean Chiki is a magician. I had a great time & laughed until my jaw ached -- Yes, that's a good thing. --
I Highly Recommend This Show To Everyone.


Play: Elvis In Space
Reviewer: Justine Kirkwood
Reviewer Email:
Rating: 4 Stars
I thought Elvis in Space was a real treat. The clever use of sound effects was great. I think most people will feel that the concept of the show gets lost a little, but it was so enjoyable that it doesn't really matter. Paco Romane killed me as Stevie and Mister E reminded me of a local kids TV host I use to watch. Good job.


Play: Elvis in Space
Reviewer: Lola Pena
Reviewer Email:
Rating: 5 Stars
Saw this on opening night. It was really great. Good ensemble cast of Elvis and sidekicks and their adventures through space. Stevie was hilarious! Love the robot too and Elvis asking for towels. Speaking as an Elvis fan, this show is really cool. Highly recommended!


Play: Thrilling Adventures of Elvis in Space
Reviewer: Brandon Charles
Reviewer Email:
Rating: 5 Stars
This is one interesting and funny show. A great format--part radio show part musical. Elvis was awesome and so was the glittery jumpsuit. Really funny script. Go see it!


Play: Thrilling Adventures of Elvis in Space
Reviewer: Jennifer Barnes
Reviewer Email:
Rating: 5 Stars
What a great show!! Went to see it opening night. The guy played Elvis really well, nice voice. Hilarious script. I especially liked the radio commercials. Recommended!


Play: The Thrilling Adventures of Elvis in Space
Reviewer: Greg Horne
Reviewer Email: gdhmail@aol.com
Rating: 5 Stars
What a blast! The entire cast is terrific (with special mention going to Paco Romane and his hilarious performance as Stevie) and their enthusiasm for the wacky, everything-but-the-kitchen-sink material is infectious. Gleeful anarchy--and that Elvis feller sure can sing!


Play: Elvis In Space
Reviewer: John Francis
Reviewer Email:
Rating: 5 Stars
I went to see this show with some friends because we love elvis, but I didn't expect to be so thouroughly entertained. A very clever idea for a play. I really loved the "radio" element and thought everyone was really funny. I recommend this show to anyone that loves elvis, needs a laugh and wants to see W's head explode!


Play: Elvis In Space
Reviewer: John Hamilton
Reviewer Email:
Rating: 5 Stars
Jeremy Jorgenson's latest effort is aggressive, entertaining and possibly the best social, political and cultural commentary offered up in this year's festival.
Sean Chiki's sound design is both playful and masterful in the creation of the appropriate soundscapes to make this a successful transition from radio play to stage.
Wonderful characterizations by a strong cast, including Tim Roberts' tortured turn as Elvis and Paco Romane as his lispy, catch phrase cracking sidekick Stevie, make "Elvis in Space" the joy that it is.
Don't miss this performance!


Play: Thrilling Adventures of Elvis in Space
Reviewer: anonymous
Reviewer Email:
Rating: 4 Stars
If you want some silly fun from the Fringe this year, this a show to see. Funny, campy and consistently amusing. It may not be breakthrough, cutting edge performance art, but it will leave you laughing. Best part - the Elvis can really sing.