Elvis tribute show coming to Isle Casino on Jan. 9

Two of the country's top Elvis tribute artists will be coming to Isle Casino Cape Girardeau next month.

Robert Washington and David Allen will appear Jan. 9 in two shows, one at 6 p.m. and the other at 8 p.m.

Ronny Craig, CEO of Ronny Craig Entertainment and Productions, said the act copies Elvis Presley in every way, from the music to the costumes.

"I work with tribute artists around the world, and we've got two of the finest ones coming in on Jan. 9," Craig said. "If you are a fan of Elvis Presley, these Elvis tribute artists duplicate Elvis, from his looks, to his singing style, to his actions onstage."

This includes special gestures for which Elvis Presley was known, such as quivering lips and swiveling hips. Wigs, makeup and costumes add to the authenticity of the performances, Craig said.

Elvis tribute artists David Allen and Robert Washington will perform two shows Jan. 9 at Isle Casino Cape Girardeau. (Submitted photo)

The show encompasses the span of Presley's musical career, including the 1950s, 1960s, his movie years and the concert years, during which the King of Rock 'n' Roll starred in movie musicals.

"They'll be doing costume changes to cover all the aspects of Elvis' career," Craig said.

The band that will accompany the duo, Fever, has won numerous awards and is one of the top Elvis tribute bands in the nation, Craig said.

The Cape Girardeau show, "A Night with the King," is a celebration of Presley's 81st birthday, which would have been Jan. 8.

Craig said January and August, the months of Presley's birth and death, are busy times of the year for the entertainers, but because of Washington and Allen's high ranking as tribute artists, they work year-round.

Of more than 50,000 Elvis tribute artists in the world, these two are among the highest rated, a status they attain by winning contests, Craig said.

One thing that makes the show particularly appealing to fans is they can get close to the entertainers and possibly snag one of the scarves the artists hand out from the stage, in true Elvis Presley style.

Although Craig's production company books a variety of tribute shows, including Rod Stewart, Johnny Cash and the Beatles, he said the Elvis Presley entertainers are by far the most popular.

The act came to Cape Girardeau last year, and Craig said it was a sold-out show.

Washington has been performing Elvis tribute shows since 1988 and is the only African-American to win the World Champion Elvis Impersonator title. He has traveled all over the country as well as to England and Japan to perform.

The performance in Cape Girardeau will be special for Washington, as he is a 1977 graduate of Central High School.

Allen has been an Elvis Presley tribute artist since 2000 and has been dubbed the "Prince of Rock 'n' Roll." He has been ranked one of the Top 10 Elvis tribute artists in the world by Elvis Presley Enterprises since 2011.

"It should be a special night," Craig said.

General admission tickets are $10 and are available at www.cape-girardeau.isleofcapricasinos.com/events/night-with-the-king.html.

Pertinent address:

777 Main St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.