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JANUARY 21, 2015 • TRI-COUNTY PRESS • A3
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Editor: Richard Maloney, rmaloney@communitypress.com, 248-7134
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Elvis takes stage for final time at original Matthews Auditorium
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lvis fans filled Matthews Auditorium Jan. 3 for a Princeton performance that took the audience back to the 1970s. No detail was unattended, with dialogue, song lineup, opening performers and backup to mimic an Elvis concert recorded more than 40 years ago. The King, performed by Matthews Auditorium manager Don Freeman, gave scarves to fans, sliding them from his neck as Elvis did, and delivering in a sweeping motion without missing a beat. The show opened with an energetic performance by The Stamps, who opened for Elvis in the 1970s. The quartet of Rick Hammer, David Langley, Dave Wright and Mike Rich included a tribute to all branches of the military, asking veterans to stand and be recognized by the cheering crowd. Princeton students played in the orchestra and band, in the show that also featured the Sweet Inspirations backup singers, Elvis-style. The show, which featured Elvis memorabilia to view, popcorn to snack and picture programs to purhcase, drew a crowd of about 750 to the 1,000capacity auditorium. A news report and clips of a 1970s Elvis concert set the tone before the King took the stage in signature sideburns and white sequined jumpsuit. The three-hour performance brought many audience members to their dancing feet, and compelled others to sing along to the tunes that included “If I can Dream,” “Early Morning Rain,” “Lawdy Miss Claudy,” and “You Ain’t Nothin’ But a Hound Dog.” A Princeton musical scheduled for early March will be the final performance before the building is torn down. The school district is building its new sports complex at that location. A new performance theater, with 1,200 capacity, balcony and full-depth orchestra pit, is nearing completion in Viking Village, which connects Princeton Community Middle School with Princeton High School, across the street on Chester Road. The Jan. 3 show was the final time the King will perform at the original Matthews Auditorium. It must be said: Elvis has left the building.
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Don Freeman as Elvis is joined by Chip Mitter as Jerry Schiff, center, and Avery Price as Charlie Hodge, who assisted the King with water and scarves to adorn adoring fans.
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During intermission at the King’s concert Jan. 3, fans and Evendale Elementary students Wesley Anglin, 7, and Travis Anglin, 5, pose with a life-size cutout of young Elvis. KELLY MCBRIDE/THE COMMUNITY PRESS
Jerry Linger, as James Burton, plays lead guitar, with Andrew Kubiak as John Wilkerson on rhythm guitar for Elvis at Princeton’s Matthews Auditorium Jan. 3
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A crowd of about 750 fills Matthews Auditorium for a Jan. 3 performance by Elvis the King. KELLY MCBRIDE/THE COMMUNITY PRESS
Jerry Linger, as James Burton, plays lead guitar for Elvis, performed by Don Freeman.
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Photos chronicling Elvis’ performances line the wall outside Matthews Auditorium.
Elvis slides scarves off his neck for his fans, who crowd the stage at the Jan. 3 performance at Princeton’s Matthews Auditorium.
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J.D. Sumner and The Stamps open for Elvis at Princeton’s Matthews Auditorium Jan. 3.
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Elvis’ biggest fan, Ann Mullin, meets the King backstage before Princeton’s Jan. 3 show.