The man chosen to play Elvis in a new bio-musical premiering in Sydney this weekend had selectors all shook up, according to the show's director.
Alister Smith say the moment he saw Rob Mallett, he knew the Tasmanian actor could walk in the King's famous blue suede shoes.
Mallet will appear alongside a stellar cast showcasing 40 of Elvis' hits and taking audiences from his childhood in Tupelo, Mississippi to his iconic ’68 Comeback Special.
"When Rob walked into the room, we knew it was him, even more with each scene, every song," Smith said.
"His charisma and authenticity make him the perfect artist to play the King."
Growing up on his family's Huon Valley apple farm with dreams initially of joining the Defence Force, Mallet found performing to be his true passion.
He would go on to star in a string of main stage musicals including Rocky Horror Picture Show, Singin’ In The Rain and Les Miserables and make waves on the small screen in Home and Away and House Husbands.
The star says embodying one of music's greatest icons on stage for thousands of people is an absolute honour.
“I have been influenced by people who have been influenced by Elvis and I didn’t even know it, he is so deeply ingrained in the fabric of our culture," Mallet said.
The Australian premiere of Elvis: A Musical Revolution will open at Sydney’s State Theatre on Saturday, before moving to Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre from October 6.
