by VICTORIA
CTFashionMag.com
Nestled in the bustling heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge, Tenn., lay Steven Best’s Smoky Mountain Theater, an intimate, highly acclaimed theater that produces world class tribute, magic, Motown, and specialty productions.
I was thrilled to return for an exclusive spotlight on a dynamic tribute show that paid homage to not one, but two, groundbreaking cultural icons: Johnny Cash and “The King” himself: Elvis Presley.
“Cash and The King” stars established and seasoned tribute artist, Josh Rush, who effortlessly and seamlessly embodies the vocal tonality, mannerisms, and dazzling charisma of two of the biggest and brightest stars the entertainment industry has ever seen.
Risj (who has previously been seen and featured in the “Elvis and Friends” show, which features a plethora of variety acts) beautifully handled the responsibility of headlining a one man show, performing a dizzyingly expansive catalog of some of the music industry’s most chart topping hits.
Perfectly encapsulating the rugged charms, deep growling voice, and signature dry wit of “The Man in Black”, Rush opened the show with a Johnny Cash tribute, featuring a rousing rendition of Cash’s most instantly recognizable tunes, including “Folsom Prison Blues,” Get Rhythm,” “Ring of Fire” and the legendary, career defining song which provided the title of 2005 movie, “Walk the Line.”
An assortment of entertaining and highly informative video packages played for a brief period while Rush changed into a striking Cobalt blue signature “Nudie Suit” (complete with the dazzling gold jewelry and show-stopping accessories for which “The King” was known) for the second and final portion of the show.
Opening with a hip-shaking, high-energy rendition of “That’s Alright,” Elvis’s debut single recorded and released with Sun Records, this world class tribute show wasted no time bringing to the stage a plethora of Presley’s best known hits including “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Polk Salad Annie,” “Hounddog” and a toe tapping variety of dance-worthy hits.
Elvis was known for his soul stirring gospel songs and his powerful ballads, and Rush provided plenty examples with ground-shaking renditions of “How Great Thou Art,” “In The Ghetto” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”
Rush utilized the closing patriotic segment of the show to pay homage to the nation’s beloved troops, several whom were in attendance at the show and stood to be recognized for their service.
Entertaining, enriching, and even educational, this tribute show is a “must” for all fans of two remarkable individuals whom many consider to be the greatest entertainers of all time: Cash and the King.
Special thanks to Cathy, Steven, and the entire Smoky Mountain Theater team for facilitating our visit.
WEBSITE: https://smokymtntheater.com
PHONE NUMBER: (865) 856-1117
INSTAGRAM @steven_d_best
Cash and King Star, Josh Rush @josh_rush77
