An Elvis show you have to see to believe

There’ve been a lot of Elvis imitators over the years. One of them is Steve Michaels.

The Milton, Ontario native plays Elvis from an aw-shucks Southern boy circa 1954 to Rhinestone Elvis (1973) in Return to Grace. A jukebox show full of Elvis hits, it’s on at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre (650 Hamilton St.) until this Sunday, March 27.

Helping Michaels out is an ensemble of over 30 musicians, backup singers and dancers. There’s also a narrator; every so often, actor Robert Stoeckle comes out in a powder-blue suit to tell the audience, in a sort-of Southern accent, about the importance of Elvis.

Return to Grace has also played Toronto, Saskatoon and Calgary. Songs include a smorgasbord of hits made famous by Presley, such as “Heartbreak Hotel”, “Suspicious Minds,” and “Love Me Tender.” There is also a selection of gospel music. And for those who are into verité, Michaels even sweats like Elvis, and then tosses his sweat-soaked scarves to (eager) audience members.

Tickets range from $35-99 and are available at ticketmaster.ca.