Elvis 007' Production Will Leave UM All Shook up Oct. 26
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University of Montana ScholarWorks at University of Montana University of Montana News Releases, 1928, 1956-present University Relations 10-12-2007 Elvis 007' production will leave UM all shook up Oct. 26 University of Montana--Missoula. Office of University Relations Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.umt.edu/newsreleases Let us know how access to this document benefits ou.y Recommended Citation University of Montana--Missoula. Office of University Relations, "Elvis 007' production will leave UM all shook up Oct. 26" (2007). University of Montana News Releases, 1928, 1956-present. 20668. https://scholarworks.umt.edu/newsreleases/20668 This News Article is brought to you for free and open access by the University Relations at ScholarWorks at University of Montana. It has been accepted for inclusion in University of Montana News Releases, 1928, 1956-present by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks at University of Montana. For more information, please contact [email protected]. The University of M ontana UNIVERSITY RELATIONS • MISSOULA, MT 59812 • 406-243-2522 • FAX: 406-243-4520 Oct. 12, 2007 Contact: Eugene O’Neill, producer/actor, “Elvis 007,” 251-3784. ‘ELVIS 007’ PRODUCTION WILL LEAVE UM ALL SHOOK UP OCT. 26 MISSOULA- It all began more than 17 years ago. A lifelong Elvis fan decided he wanted to do more than listen to his favorite tracks - he wanted to become the man behind the music. So, Eugene O’Neill, at that time a Butte resident, decided to create arrangements of the Elvis music he grew up enjoying. While dressing up and entertaining at rest homes, assisted living centers and private parties, O’Neill started to realize he wanted to take his passion for Elvis acting - yes, acting, because O’Neill stresses he is not an impersonator - to the next level. In 1990 O’Neill met Skip Lundby, a trained actor and director, when both were working at the Mother Lode Theatre in Butte. O’Neill was hired to do mechanical work for the theater, and Lundby was brought in by the venue’s manager to run the theater when it opened. When Lundby began producing community theater at the Mother Lode, O’Neill saw this as his big break. He began developing his acting muscle in show after show. Then in 1998, O’Neill performed “Elvis Christmas.” “It was a big hit,” O’Neill said. “I realized that the Elvis character was popular.” Now O’Neill and Lundby are working together again to produce “Elvis 007” - a musical tribute to the king of rock ’n’ roll - at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26, in The University of Montana’s University Theatre. This is the first and last time the show will be performed. -more- 101207elvi—2 “This is an original production,” O’Neill said. “It’s never been shown before, and it won’t be shown again.” This also is the first time O’Neill, who now is the assistant director for maintenance in facility services at UM, has brought one of his Elvis shows to the University in the two years since he’s been here. O’Neill stars as Elvis in the hour-and-a-half production. Lundby is the writer, producer, director and narrator of the show. “Elvis 007” also features George Groesbeck, whom O’Neill calls “the piano player extraordinaire.” “In this show there is live music and there’s also some recorded tracks,” O’Neill said. “The show covers a variety of songs that define who Elvis is and his style of how he performs those songs. It’s really a story about the Elvis character and how his music still lives. The show looks at what we anticipate might be a live Elvis show today.” Tickets for the show are available at all GrizTix outlets. Admission is $15 for adults and $12 for students, seniors and children. All seating is general admission. Tickets also can be purchased by calling 406-243-4051 or 1-888-MONTANA, or online at http://www.griztix.com. This year marks the 30th anniversary of Elvis’ death. “Elvis had such an impact on music and he deserves to be celebrated,” O’Neill said. “Since he’s not here to do it himself, somebody has to.” ### BB Local, Butte 101207elvi.