Randy "Elvis" Friskie kicks off his That's The Way It Is tour at Genesis Theatre in Ladner next Friday.
The show will feature music and scenes from Elvis Presley's movie career - from favourites like Blue Hawaii to Viva Las Vegas.
"Nobody's put together what we think we've put together with this one," says Friskie, a longtime Elvis tribute artist who performed at Expo '86 as well as in Las Vegas and Reno with Legends in Concert and American Superstars.
Those in the audience "get our best" at his shows, says Friskie, who began performing Elvis songs in a band when he was 17.
"We leave everything on that stage. Our team works hard to bring a professional show, but a raw show, too, with some spontaneity."
He says he goes out there and tries to "feel the music" rather than trying, per se, to copy Elvis exactly.
Friskie will perform with his Las Vegas Show band.
"Our band, I won't be cocky and say they're better than Elvis' band was, but I'll tell ya, they take pride in what they do and they work real hard. They're a great group of guys."
He'll also perform some duets with his daughter Cassandra, who'll sing as Ann-Margret, Shelley Fabares and Marilyn Monroe.
"It's fantastic to perform with my daughter," says Friskie, noting they started doing shows together when he needed a replacement on short notice and Cassandra was only eight or nine.
She'll also perform on her own in tribute to other musical artists, including a country medley that includes Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, LeAnn Rimes, Reba McEntire, Taylor Swift and Shania Twain.
"What we try to do is put together the best Elvis tribute show we can, but give them a little bit of everything," Friskie says.
Friskie, when he was 12, actually saw Elvis perform live at the Niagara Falls Convention Centre.
"That was amazing," he says, adding you could feel a sense of magnetism and warmth at the show.
"You knew that the man lived to entertain. From when he walked out there, and the hour and half that he gave, you just knew that's where he was in his element. That's what he lived for."
Elvis' first acting role came in the 1956's Love Me Tender. He appeared in over 30 films during his career, including Jailhouse Rock, G.I. Blues and King Creole.
The show is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 3 at 7:30 p.m. at Genesis Theatre, 5005-45th Ave., Ladner.
Tickets are $39.50.
Check OnTourTickets.com, call 1-855-411-7500 or visit Sure Copy, 4857 Elliott St., Ladner for tickets. Visit randyelvisfriskie.com for more tour dates.
