by VICTORIA HENLEY
CTFashionMag.com
Housed in the iconic Memories Theater, one of the longest running theaters in the bustling, boisterous city of Pigeon Forge, Tenn., Icons is the newest tribute show from the creative masterminds behind this legendary theater.
I was afforded the exclusive opportunity to spotlight this exhilarating two-hour extravaganza of world class tributes to some of the brightest names in the pop, country, and rock and roll music genres.
Upon arrival to the theater, which has received a glossy renovation since undergoing new management, we took our seat in the expansive theater space and enjoyed opening remarks by the remarkably talented, award-winning Elvis tribute artist, Michael Chambliss. He welcomed the crowd, comprised of both locals and tribute show enthusiasts from across the United States.
Following the introduction, Chambliss quickly switched gears and slipped into character as George Strait, crooning an endless menagerie of the country superstar’s distinctively unique hits, and he subsequently immersed himself in character as one of the country industry’s biggest stars: Garth Brooks.
Some of Brooks’ greatest chart topping hits, including “Ain’t Going Down (Til The Sun Comes Up),” the poignant, emotionally charged, “The Dance”, which eloquently concludes that sometimes the pain you experience upon the end of a great love is worth the journey and “the Dance”, as well as the high energy country dance bop, “Baton Rouge.”
Of course, the Garth Brooks segment concluded with a rousing, interactive rendition pf the loveable “Friends in Low Places.”
Multi-talented songstress, Dana Meyers, took the stage next, fully inhabiting the essence of “The Queen of Country,” Loretta Lynn, stealing the spotlight with quick witted humor, dazzling country-chic fashion, and an undeniably scrappy, distinctive county drawl, comparable to the original artist herself. Meyers performed a myriad of Lynn’s record breaking hits, including the inimitable “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” the acerbically sassy, “You Ain’t Woman Enough to Take My Man,” and the strong willed, “Don’t Come Home A Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind).”
Samantha Chambliss (a multi-faceted performer, beloved for her various roles in numerous productions around the city of Pigeon Forge) brings pitch perfect comic timing, razor sharp wit and unmatched charisma to her portrayal of country music’s resident “Bad Girl,” Tanya Tucker. Chambliss’s playful stage presence paired with her signature raspy vocals make her the perfect choice to portray the wildly popular and iconoclastic Tucker, and Backstage Pass’s resident photographer, Lynn, who has attended an actual Tanya Tucker concert noted that the immensely talented Chambliss looked and sounded just like the artist herself. An assortment of Tucker’s dynamic hits were performed with great aplomb including “It’s a Little Too Late,” the belligerent “Down to My Last Teardrop,” and perhaps Tucker’s most internationally recognizable song, the heart wrenching ballad, “Delta Dawn.”
Creative chameleon, Michael Cullipher (who can be seen playing a wide variety of roles in various Memories Theater productions as well as operating lights and sound for many of the resident shows) took to the stage as the lovable country heartthrob (known to the younger generation simply as “Miley’s Dad”), Billy Ray Cyrus. Cullipher, fully encompassing Cyrus’s distinctive country swagger, crooned his most popular hits, including the rowdy, “ I Want My Mullet Back,” the tongue-in-cheek, “Where Am I Gonna Live When I Get Home,” the tearjerker, “She’s Not Crying Anymore,” “It Could’ve Been Me,” and the somber, patriotic “Some Gave All.” Video screen projectors play an assortment of Ray’s most famous country music videos in sync with each musical number, taking audiences down memory lane to some of their favorite moments in the country-rock genre.
Unbelievably versatile, Cullipher swiftly transforms himself into “The Man in Black” strumming his guitar as he belts out some of Johnny Cash’s most memorable, beloved hit singles, including “Ring of Fire,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and “Walk the Line.”
Talent runs in the family (Cullipher is married to Dana, who portrays Loretta Lynn) as Cullipher’s 5-year-old son brought palpable energy, verve, and vigor to the stage as “Elvis Jr.,” fully decked out in a custom made “Nudie Suit,” as he performed a rousing rendition of “Hound Dog.”
This critically acclaimed show is brought to a close with a stellar set paying homage to the one and only “King” himself, Elvis Presley, performed to sublime perfection by Chambliss, who, donning the gemstone encrusted, skintight white Nudie Suit with an exaggerated, shiny metallic buckle belt (a look popularized during his legendary world tours) twisted, gyrated and moved with expert precision which paid exquisite homage to who many consider to be the world’s greatest entertainer.
Just a few of the stand-out numbers performed from Elvis’s remarkable catalog of songs included the high-octane “CC Rider,” “Burning Love,” “Proud Mary” and the dramatic, haunting ballad, “Suspicious Minds.”
Spirituality was tremendously important to Elvis; therefore he recorded and performed a wealth of gospel music throughout his illustrious, yet tumultuous career, including the classic, serene, “How Great Thou Art. “
The performers, all exceedingly friendly and approachable make their way to the lobby following each show for an exclusive audience meet and greet, to sign autographs, and for photo opportunities you’ll treasure for many years to follow.
Be sure to follow Memories Theater on all social media platforms for exclusive updates on upcoming events and behind the scenes content you won’t find anywhere else, and we would like to give a special shout out to Michael Chambliss (as well as the entire Memories Theater Team) for facilitating our visit for this spotlight feature.
WEBSITE: https://www.memories-theater.com
PHONE NUMBER: (865) 365-1124
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook.com/Memoriestheater
