Players:

Elvis Aron Presley (age 10)
Elvis Aron Presley (age 21)
Elvis Aron Presley (age 35)
Elvis Aron Presley (age 42)
Elvis Aron Presley (age 65)
Gladys Love Presley
Vernon Elvis Presley
Priscilla Presley
Colonel Tom Parker
Lisa Marie Presley
Joe Esposito
Charlie Hodge
Ginger Alden
Four screaming/crying fans
Narrator
Audience interaction

Principal Props:

Fireplace
Stack of firewood
Old table and chairs
Guitar
Cigar
Film script
Glass of water
Coloured pills
Black slacks
Colourful shirts (two)
Picture cover Elvis singles, albums and photos (several)
White jumpsuit (optional)

Act 1: Growing Up In Tupelo

Players: Elvis (age 10); Gladys Presley; Vernon Presley

Narrator (unseen): The scene Presley's shot-gun shack home in Tupelo. The Presley family is preparing for dinner.

Gladys: Elvis son, you be careful carrying that wood.

Elvis (with stack of firewood in his arms): I will Momma.

Vernon: Son, what do you want for your birthday?

Elvis (putting the wood down by the fire): A bicycle.

(Gladys and Vernon exchange a concerned look)

Gladys: Elvis dear, I don't think we can afford a bicycle. What about a guitar? You love music.

Elvis (briefly ponders and then smiles): A guitar will be a great birthday present, momma.

Vernon: Elvis, what do you want to be when you grow up, son?

Elvis: I don't know daddy, but I want to make you and momma real proud of me.

Gladys: We are son, we already are. You have the spirit of two - you and your brother Jesse Garon.

Elvis: I miss him momma. Even though I never knew him, I miss him.

Gladys: So do we, Elvis. But always remember, you're living a life for Jesse as well as yourself. You and your twin brother will always be connected.

Elvis: Why did Jesse have to die...and not me?

(Gladys and Vernon exchange another concerned look.)

Gladys: The Lord works in funny ways, Elvis. What is meant to be is meant to be. He wanted for you to be special, real special, and Jesse dieing was part of his plan for you.

(Elvis sits down and stares at the fire)

Vernon: Elvis, come help me with more wood.

Elvis (starting to rise): Yes daddy.

End of Act 1

Act 2: The Hillbilly Cat

Players: Elvis (age 21); Colonel Tom Parker; Gladys Presley; Four screaming fans

Scene: Elvis on on stage with a guitar; Colonel Parker and Gladys Presley tsanding in the wings. There are four screaming girls in the audience cluthching Elvis records and photos trying to touch their idol.

Elvis (starts to sing): "Well since ma baby left me..."

(The four girls scream uncontrollably. Elvis curls his lip, smiles and wiggles his hips. The girls grab the sides of their heads and their screams continue. They reach out trying to grab and fondle their idol. To the side of the stage a cigar puffing Colonel Tom Parker looks on very contentedly)

Elvis (playfully): Hey girls, don't worry, there's enough of me for all of you.

(The girls erupt in further spasms of uncontrolled screaming and sobbing, one of them collapsing to the floor)

Gladys (looking horrified): Colonel Parker, what is happening? They're going to kill my boy!

Colonel Parker: Now don't you worry Mrs Presley. Elvis will be fine. He's got them eating out of the palm of his hand. He'll be fine...he'll be fine.

(Gladys Presley continues to look on at the rapturous scene, unconvinced as one girl manages to grab Elvis by the arm and rips his shirt. Gladys grimaces. Elvis smiles and pulls away from the teenager)

Gladys: Colonel, this is not right!

Colonel Parker: Mrs Presley, I can assure you...it will be all right. Elvis has an incredible power over these girls and while they are losing control they don't want to hurt him. They just want to be near him, to touch him and if they're really lucky get a piece of his clothing or a kiss to take home as a memory.

Elvis (smiling playfully): Hey girls, take it easy. I told you there's enough of me for all of you. Meet me out the back after the show.

(The girls go into rapturous delight and another one faints to the floor on realising the offer contained in Elvis's words. Elvis continues to sing Heartbreak Hotel)

Elvis (singing): ...it was down the end of Lonely Street, at Heartburn Motel

(Elvis laughs at the way he's changed the words to the song. The audience is none the wiser being lost in their adolescent fantasy)

End of Act 2

Act 3: Hollywood or Bust

Players: Elvis (age 35); Joe Esposito; Charlie Hodge

Scene: On the set of a mid 1960s Elvis movie between takes.

Elvis: Man I'm tired. And these songs are getting worse. Next they'll have me singing to a bull!

Charlie (laughing): Well boss, if they do it will be one very lucky bull!

Elvis (looking curiously at Charlie): What you talking about Charlie? I'll give you a bull as a present if you don't watch it. (Elvis turns, looks at Joe and smiles) And one for you too, Joe.

Joe: No thanks boss, but I'll take your co-star when you're finished.

Elvis (laughs): You should be so lucky! Anyway she's got big feet.

Joe: Maybe so, but she's also stacked...so who's looking at her feet!

(Elvis laughs and Charlie breaks into hysterical laughter)

Elvis: Laugh all you want Charlie, but she's mine tonight.

Charlie (composing himself): Well, if you need any help, boss.

Elvis: I think I've got it down right now. I'll try and manage without you. Me and lil' Elvis will do just fine.

Charlie (near-despondently): Oh poor, lonely me.

(Meanwhile, Elvis sings): "I'm gonna get some pussy tonight, pussy tonight....I'm gonna get some pussy tonight, and good time Charlie's got the blues!"

(Joe bursts out laughing and Charlie feigns his own laugh. Elvis returns to looking at his script)

Elvis: This script stinks. It's got no meat, only flim-flam. And this song...I'm not singing a love song to a little girl in a helicopter! What will people think? I'll be branded a deviant or something.

Charlie: Well it had to come out sometime.

(Joe's face breaks out in a small smile as Elvis is seen considering his response)

Elvis: Very funny Charlie. What did you say your new job is?

(Charlie is quiet)

Joe: Hey Elvis, why don't we lighten things up. None of us can stand that director. Why don't we water bomb him?

(Elvis is distracted from Charlie and slowly smiles)

Elvis: Diamond Joe, that's a great idea but I've got an even better one. I want to really scare him shitless. Let's set him up during shooting. How many of those cap guns do we have?

Joe (thinks): Four or five, I think. Red and Sonny have them in their trailer.

Elvis (smiling): Well here's what we'll do. Get Red, Sonny and Dave to dress up in black with hoods. Half way through shooting of the next scene I want them to rush on stage with their guns pointed, shouting that they're going to kill me. I can't wait to see the look on that director's face. Word up the rest of the crew on what is going to go down. I don't want any heroics or accidents happening. I just want to see that damn pencil geeked director shit himself!

(Elvis laughs heartily at the thought. Joe and Charlie smile and wander off-stage to arrange the set-up, leaving Elvis alone on-stage. Elvis picks up the script, his laughter turning to a frown. He shakes his head)

Elvis: What crap. (pauses) What has happened? I wanted a serious film career like Frank Sinatra and James Dean, not this fairy floss junk. Aren't I the star? Shouldn't I be calling the shots on my own career? (Elvis pauses, looks towards the ceiling, pondering and then softly says) Is the Colonel letting me down? I've asked him to get me better scripts. But it's not happening. I've got to do something, and I've got to do it quickly....before this crap destroys me!

(Elvis turns his back on the audience and the curtain descends)

End of Act 3

 

Act 4: Elvis Is Alive

Players: Elvis (age 35); Joe Esposito; Charlie Hodge; Priscilla Presley

Scene: Elvis preparing to go out in front of his first live Vegas audience since 1956.

Joe: Elvis, get a load of that crowd. Look at the stars who have come to see you!
(Elvis peers out from the side of the stage)

Charlie: Man, there's Cary Grant and Sammy Davis Jr.

Joe: And Charo and Dale Robertson. And that looks like Tom Jones sitting with Wayne Newton.

Elvis (shaking): Man, you guys are scaring me. I haven't performed live for nearly 10 years and these guys have come to see me.

Joe: You're pumped Elvis, you're pumped. You'll kill 'em!

Charlie: Yeah, boss. Look at you. You're at the physical peak of your career. A lean, mean kick-ass machine. They'll be in awe of you.

Elvis: I hope so, Charlie, I hope so.

Priscilla: The guys are right, Elvis. You're ready for this and it's going to be one of your greatest moments.

Elvis (looking appreciatively at Priscilla): Cilla, honey. You're a dream come true.

(Priscilla blushes as Joe and Charlie smile. The theme to 2001 begins to play. Elvis realising his moment of truth is about to come fidgets nervously and starts pacing backwards and forwards)

Joe: Elvis, it's time.

(Elvis says nothing, looks at Joe, Priscilla and Charlie and draws a deep breath).

Elvis (smiling): Yes, it's time. It's time I proved myself again. Time I proved I've still got what it takes. Time that the world sees I am still a star. Time that my wife, my daddy and my little girl can be real proud of me.

(Elvis straightens, takes another deep breath and pushes through the curtain onto the stage. The audience erupts in a screaming, yelling standing ovation. Elvis embraces the ovation for a few seconds and reaches for his guitar. He begins to sing but the crowd still on its feet strengthens its appreciation of the return of The King)

End of Act 4

Act 5: Death Ends A Lonely Life

Players: Elvis (age 42); Joe Esposito; Charlie Hodge; Lisa Marie Presley; Ginger Alden; Four crying fans

Scene: The Jungle Room at Graceland, a drugged out Elvis is incensed, berating his Memphis Mafia buddies.

Elvis (speaking rapidly and slurring his words): I can't do it, I won't do it. I haven't it in me anymore. I'm a fat, washed up singer who's lost everything.

Charlie: Boss, you're not...

Elvis: Don't interupt me. I can sack you like I did Red and Sonny. It's no good no more. (Elvis isnow beside himself)

Joe: Elvis, you need to relax. Have you taken your pills?

Elvis: Fuck you, fuck all of you. I'm Elvis Presley and it's my life.......not yours.

(Joe and Charlie stand silently hoping the tirade will end. Ginger Alden enters the room)

Ginger: Elvis honey, what's the matter? I could hear you all the way upstairs.

(Elvis pauses briefly and looks around. He sinks into a chair and brings his hands over his face. He starts to sob. Ginger goes to him and puts her arms around him)

Ginger: What's the matter, Elvis. What's the matter?

Elvis: Leave me alone. I'm a has-been. I can't cut it anymore.

Ginger (semi-indignantly): No you're not. You're Elvis Presley, you're worshipped by millions all over the world.

Elvis: Look at me. I'm not in control anymore.

Ginger: Elvis, you're tired. Come to bed. We can relax, recover.

Elvis (looks up into Ginger's eyes): You're so young, so beautiful. You remind me so much of Priscilla. Why do you stay with me. Is it my fame, my money? Little Elvis doesn't work anymore. I can't be satisfying your physical needs.

Ginger (pauses): That's not important darlin'. Just come to bed.

Elvis (looks around at Ginger, Joe and Charlie): I want to be alone. Leave me, please leave me.

(The three depart looking worriedly at each other. Elvis sits despondently, staring through the audience. He picks up a glass beside him and downs a handful of coloured pills. He slowly rises from his chair)

Elvis (looking to the ceiling): God, what have I done wrong? Why has it all come undone? Help me, Lord, help me!..... (plaintively) Please help me.

(Still looking skyward, Elvis suddenly clutches at his heart. His eyes swirl, his pulse races and his face reddens. He gives out a last, painful gasp. He drops to the ground, motionless, and the curtain comes down. A minute of silence passes and the spotlight goes on Lisa Marie)

Lisa (sobbing): My daddy's gone. My daddy's gone. I want my daddy back. Oh daddy why did you have to leave me. I love you. Please come back, please come back, daddy.

End of Act 5

Act 6: Elvis Today

Players: Elvis (age 65); Narrator (unseen); Audience

Scene: Twenty-six years have passed since the mortal passing of Elvis Aron Presley. Elvis, now at retirement age, stands alone in a dark room with a bright spotlight shining on him. He stares out over the silent room, over the heads of the audience for what seems like an eternity.

Elvis: Where has it all gone?

Narrator (unseen): Where has what all gone?

Elvis: Who's that? (Elvis spins around in disbelief. The narrator is silent)

Elvis (slowly): Have I lost everything? Not only my life, my little girl, my music...but also my mind? How could it have come to all this? I was loved. My fans really loved me. Did I let them down by dieing? Did I let my little Lisa down?

Narrator: You didn't lose anything and you didn't let anyone down. It is too self-centred to believe you let people down, except maybe yourself. You didn't owe it to anyone, especially after everything positive you brought to people.

Narrator (asking the audience): Did Elvis let you down?

Audience: No.

Narrator (to Elvis): By bringing joy to the world you gave something incredibly important to the world and even if you don't see it you gained something few people ever experience. Remember, even if your physical body left this world, your great spirit not only lived on but has flourished until today you are more famous than ever, more revered than ever, and (voice trailling off) more misunderstood than ever.

Elvis (mystified): Who are you? Wha, what do you mean I'm more misunderstood than ever?

Narrator (unseen): Well who are you.....who is Elvis Presley?

Elvis (sheepishly): I'm a singer. I entertain people.

Narrator (unseen): Is that it! Is that all you are (pauses briefly)........a singer. Come on, there have thousands of singers in the world, but how many are revered like you, 26 years after their physical death?

Elvis: Well what am I then?

Narrator (unseen): You really can't see it, can you. You never could. Your momma told you when you were a boy in Tupelo that you were special. And you are, and you always will be.

Elvis (plaintively, almost pleading): But who am I? Who am I?

Narrator (slowly): Elvis Aron Presley....you are a messenger of God.

Elvis (looks quizzedly at the audience and opens his mouth as if he's about to speak)

Narrator: You are a great messenger of God, who to this day continues to bring joy and comfort to millions of people around the world. They smile when they think about you, they are reassured as they listen to your music, they come alive as they dance to your songs and happy memories come flooding back when they relive their youth watching your movies. Leonard Bernstein, the distinguished musical conductor for the Boston Pops Orchestra, called you the most important cultural figure of the twentieth century. He was one of the few who realised what your presence in the world had accomplished.

In America, in England, in Japan, in Australia, China, Africa, South America, whichever continent or country you can think of, you, Elvis Aron Presley, you changed the world in the 1950s, you opened doors for the voice of youth, you changed musical tastes, you changed the way we dress, the way we talk. And in doing so you entered the psyche of the global culture. That is why you still bring joy and comfort to millions of people throughout the world. You never realised nor understood the power you had just by using your voice and your physical presence. It is the spirit of Elvis Aron Presley that comes through and touches people. In your own way you are a preacher, a preacher spreading a gospel of happiness and reassurance. Can you think of a greater thing for you to have done?

Elvis (dumbfounded): I....I....if only...

Narrator (sternly): If only what! If only you hadn't taken the drugs? If only Priscilla hadn't left you? If only your momma hadn't died young? All those things are a part of one's life. Feeling sorry for yourself will take you no-where. Rather than focusing on your internal self, focus on what you did, focus on what you continue to do! Your legacy is one of the most important things this world has ever been left. Don't devalue it, embrace it, celebrate it...and smile at the great joy of it.

Elvis (curling his lip): "Are you lonesome tonight?, does your memory strain to the...."

(The curtain falls for the final time)

The End (or is it?)

The above is an abridged version of: The Oral History Project: Elvis Aron Presley - A Stage Play.
© 2003