GROWING UP ELVIS - The First 21 Years

Experience the life and music of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll like never before! 
Join us as we tell the true-life story of what it was like…

GROWING UP ELVIS …
THE FIRST 21 YEARS

Interspersed with electrifying musical performances
of his greatest hits & in-concert favorites

Starring British singing sensation and Disney voice-over artist

Toni Morrell

Featuring fellow-raconteur, Music Maestro and “Keyboard Wizard”

David Dial

 

After nearly three years of in-depth research, including conversations with people who were close to and personally knew him, we proudly present the true-life story of Elvis Presley; a boy from Tupelo Mississippi, born into abject poverty, who rose to unprecedented heights to become the Greatest Cultural Icon the world has ever known.

Experience a new and refreshing alternative to traditional look-alike/sound-alike tribute shows; one that blends dramatic (and sometimes hilarious) storytelling with electrifying live musical performances; and is further enhanced by rare and vintage on-screen images.

The Story – The Songs – The Images – The Laughs & the Tears

Relive the excitement and treasured memories of that special time in history…..when Elvis was in the world; brought to life through the story telling prowess of Disney voiceover artist and British singing sensation, Toni Morrell, as she chronicles the first 21 years in the life of “The King of Rock n’ Roll!,” – from his birth on January 8, 1935, through 1956, the year he became the most famous man on the planet.  When Toni is not telling the story, she is singing the songs!  Though not through intentional impersonation, it cannot be denied that her powerful voice and incredible stage presence at times seem to channel the true essence of Presley. Who says a woman can’t sing Elvis Presley songs? Just check out the videos below! An internationally acclaimed dynamic singer and entertainer in her own right, Toni has often been compared on a par with the likes of Judy Garland and Shirley Bassey.

Joining Toni onstage is Music Maestro and “Keyboard Wizard”, David Dial. In addition to producing the musical arrangements, David, described as a “one-man orchestra” by Burt Bacharach, delivers blazing keyboard solos rivaling Jerry Lee Lewis, and is also featured singing a selection of Presley hit songs, as well as delighting audiences with his comedic impressions of Elvis’ Cousin Billy Smith and good friend (and future body guard) “Red” West.

As we delve into the definitive experiences and personal relationships that shaped Elvis into the man (and legend) he was to become, you’ll be introduced to his family and friends, as well as some noteworthy young ladies who captured his heart along the way. And you’ll also get the inside story of how Elvis was really discovered as well as the fateful events that led to his meteoric rise to fame.

As we weave together the tapestry of his formative years, we’ll also be performing many of his greatest hits, including “Blue Suede Shoes,” ” All Shook Up,” and “That’s All Right Mama.” You’ll also hear some of Elvis’ personal concert favorites, such as “Burning Love,” “Polk Salad Annie,” and “Lord You Gave Me a Mountain” and many more.

“Thoroughly entertaining as well as informative.” This standout show includes a host of fascinating stories and amusing anecdotes, uncovering many little known details of the humble beginnings and meteoric rise to fame of America’s greatest cultural icon, Elvis Presley.

An immersive and unforgettable must-see experience for fans and music enthusiasts alike!

Videos

QUOTES:  “Love this!” – Sandy & Wink Martindale  /  “POWERFUL!” – Jeannine O.  /  “Spectacular!” – Vickie D.B.

“Sheryl and I can’t say enough about how lucky we are to get to meet you and David and what great entertainers you are. We just love all your shows and can’t wait to see more. Such a great performance and beautiful couple.”
– Charles & Sheryl C.

“Toni and David, Congratulations on your new presentation of ‘GROWING UP ELVIS’ – the Ultimate Testimony of his first 21 years. I commend you for your endless physical & emotional energy, and the enormous dedication, work, research, studies, compositions, communications, love and passion you spent to achieve such true perfection of this spectacular performance. A heartfelt thank you!”
– Linda L.

A BIG HUNK O’ LOVE

“That’s a hunka lot of talent. Bravo!”
– Joyce Bova
(Author, “My Love Affair with Elvis”)

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“Absolutely FANTASTIC!! And David is smokin’ on those keyboards!”

Starring

Starring British singing sensation and Disney voice over artist, Toni Morrell along with her fellow-raconteur, Music Maestro and “Keyboard Wizard”, David Dial.

GROWING UP ELVIS – THE FIRST 21 YEARS offers a unique alternative to traditional tribute shows as it presents a new and innovative way of remembering “The King of Rock n Roll” –  through an immersive storytelling experience coupled with dynamic musical performances of many classic Elvis Presley songs; and further enhanced by onscreen vintage visuals.

What sets this show apart from other Elvis tribute shows is that, rather than presenting an impersonation of Elvis in concert, we focus on telling the true-life story of his upbringing (including his family, his friends, his girlfriends and pivotal events that helped shape his character and way of thinking) all while interspersing performances of a variety of favorite ELVIS hit songs, thoughtfully selected to support the story line. Warmly engaging and highly entertaining, “Growing Up Elvis – The First 21 Years” is an unforgettable concert experience you won’t want to miss!

 

Toni Morrell

Toni Morrell

David Dial

David Dial

Quotes

You are right at the top of all the entertainers I have worked with! The best of the best! I have yet to see another Artist get a standing ovation in the middle of a song.
– Robin Fox, FoxTale Entertainment.

I am thrilled to “applaud” your efforts and give this show my “personal stamp of approval”. As an identical twin, I personally know that Elvis was affected by everything he did by the absence of his identical twin who died at birth. Thank you for your tenacity and vision for this huge project.  I know Elvis is applauding right along with me. ELVIS “IS” FOREVER!!!!
– Joyce Bova
(Author of “Don’t Ask Forever / My Love Affair With Elvis“)

I just wanted to let you know HOW AMAZING MY FRIENDS AND I THOUGHT YOUR SHOW WAS! It was filled with intriguing information about Elvis’ life we were unaware of. The show was funny, uplifting and the music selection was wonderful! Toni and David, you are incredible performers and I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to see your beautiful production! We cannot wait for your next show!
– Connie E.

Absolutely a National Sensation! EXTRAORDINARY!! What an interesting and entertaining way to Remember Elvis and share his first 21 years. Childhood photos and information I was not familiar with… and the magnificent music. I was mesmerized and the music filled my soul. Thank you Toni and David!!
– L. Lambert

Don’t let the “two person show” fool you! I hadn’t a clue…not a clue….until I actually saw Toni Morrell & David Dial onstage. They are the ULTIMATE ATOMIC POWER COUPLE! The GREATEST “Live Show I have ever seen….period!”
– Ellen T.

What a spectacular show! I have been to many many shows all over the country including Las Vegas and Branson, and I have to say this show I saw today, “Remembering Elvis Presley – The First 21 Years” is by far one of the best show I have ever seen. It is presented by David Dial and Toni Morrell. The story, the music, the singing and the outfits they wear are fabulous. This show is a must see!!
– Cheryl D.C.

Wow! I hope you have your tickets for @Elvis – a musical story book, because it was fabulous! Toni Morrell and David Dial outdid themselves in creativeness and performances last night for a full house! The Show style is new and kept the audience enthralled every second.
– Connie C.

My husband and I loved the show and can’t wait for your next production. We have lot of friends back in the Columbus area that are anxious to see what wonderful talent we have here in Ohio.
– L. Jackson

Awesome show! Loved every minute!
– Diane Z.

Today Dan and I were entertained by the one and only Toni Morrell and David Dial and their new show, “Remembering Elvis Presley – The First 21 Years!” Blown away by the talent, the research done on Elvis, their humor and how they are so warm and welcoming to their audience. I was comparing Toni to “this great singer and that great singer,” but I now realize that NO ONE compares! She stands alone with her own amazing, goose bump producing voice. Others need to be compared to her! Her partner in talent (and life), David Dial, is equally talented. Singing, burning up the keyboard and delighting us with his many dialects. I cannot wait for the pleasure of seeing another performance from the great Toni Morrell and David Dial!
– Dorie W.

We had a great time! Loved the music, and hearing the story of Elvis’s rise to fame made it even more enjoyable. Thanks for such an entertaining evening.
– Timothy A.

You are always spectacular! I know how hard you work because you strive for perfection!!  All the shows I’ve seen have blessed me. Watching you is a delight.
– Nancy C.