First Coast residents enjoyed a “hunka hunka burnin” love on Valentine’s Day, when The Alhambra Theatre & Dining presented “Viva Las Vegas” starring Elvis impersonator Kevin Mills.
Presented Feb. 12-16 at the Jacksonville dinner theatre, the show drew fans from across the country to see noted entertainer Mills, who has brought the King of Rock and Roll to life at presidential inaugurations, on cruise lines and – of course – in Las Vegas as part of the popular Legends in Concert show.
“Kevin is just like Elvis,” said Greenville, South Carolina resident Cathy Happe, who traveled to The Alhambra with her husband, Don, to see the show after seeing Mills perform in Vegas. “I just think he is an outstanding performer. He has all the moves!”
The Alhambra’s Valentine’s Day Viva Las Vegas performance was preceded by a gala reception. Arriving guests were welcomed with glasses of champagne and hors d’oeuvres, followed by an Elvis-themed dinner menu that included such kingly delights at Memphis braised short ribs and peanut butter and banana pie. Attendees also received small, heart-shaped boxes of chocolates in honor of the holiday.
Guests could hardly contain themselves, however, when Mills took the stage. Backed by a live band, he rocked and rolled his way through 45 of Elvis’s popular hits, gyrating through such signature tunes as “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Hound Dog” and “Stuck on You” as female fans eagerly flocked to the edge of the stage to receive a kiss from “Elvis.”
Following an intermission that featured a dessert bar, Mills returned to the stage clad in one of the King’s signature 1970s white, fringed jumpsuits and launched into another set that had the audience singing and clapping along to “Suspicious Minds,” “Viva Las Vegas” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love with You.”
“This is the seventh time Kevin has been with us,” Alhambra Theatre Owner Craig Smith told the audience. “And he knocks it over the fence every time.”
