Newcomer Dan Berry on Making Elvis Come Alive in New Musical Bio

Elvis Presley first made an appearance-of-sorts in musical theater with "Bye Bye Birdie" some 60 years ago. Of course, it wasn't Elvis, but a caricature of the pop superstar in the person of Conrad Birdie; but the role established how easily Elvis fit into musical theater. The King himself made numerous musical films in the 1960s, but never made it into a musical or appear on Broadway – he preferred a residency in Las Vegas.

His songs found their way into the cheeky juke box musical "All Shook Up" in 2004, though Elvis was represented by another hip-swiveling character named Chad in a career-making role for Cheyenne Jackson. The same phenomena occurred for Austin Butler, who gave an Oscar-nominated performance in last year's Baz Luhrmann biopic.

This week "Elvis: A Musical Revolution," an Australian musical authorized by Elvis Presley Enterprises, is having its New England premiere at the North Shore Music Theater with newcomer Dan Berry cast as the charismatic singer. The production runs through Sunday, November 12, 2023.

According to its press release, the musical follows Elvis's career from his impoverished childhood in Tupelo, Mississippi to his triumphant 1968 "Comeback Special," and his ascent to be "The King." It features more than 40 Elvis hits and iconic songs including: "That's All Right," "Blue Moon of Kentucky," "All Shook Up," "Heartbreak Hotel," "Burning Love," "Good Rockin' Tonight," "Earth Angel," "Hound Dog," "Don't Be Cruel," "Jailhouse Rock," "Are You Lonesome," and "Blue Suede Shoes".

"Elvis The Revolution" is co-written by David Abbinanti and Sean Cercone, based on a concept by Floyd Mutrux. Abbinanti also wrote the orchestrations and musical arrangements. Also featured in the cast are long-time NSMT favorites Mary Callanan and David Coffee. With a cast of 30, the production is directed and choreographed by Kevin P. Hill.

Berry is a 2023 graduate of The University of Oklahoma with a BFA Musical Theatre Performance. He has performed in productions of "Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812," "Rent," and "Spring Awakening," as well as appearing in the film "The Line."

EDGE spoke to Berry about playing the iconic Elvis, how he prepares for the role, and what makes the musical worth seeing.

EDGE: Tell us a little about yourself.

Dan Berry: I was born and raised, in Poughkeepsie, New York. I spent my whole life there until I left for college. I graduated with a degree in musical theater. I have two loving parents. I come from a wonderful family who supports my career choice. I've been playing guitar for the last five years and writing my own music, so this role comes at a perfect time in my life and is a great start to my career. I'm lucky and honored to be portraying Elvis.

EDGE: How were you first introduced to Elvis?

Dan Berry: Like people, my parents have shown me thousands of videos of him. I've seen all his best movies. Elvis has always been a part of my life in some way. With the recent movie, Elvis has had a big comeback in today's culture. I think we're all kind of studying him more than we were before. When I got the audition for this job, I watched a bunch of interviews and documentaries and really learned more about him. Through all that research, I really figured out what an incredible life he had. I think it's easy to focus on the icon of Elvis, but we always forget that he was a real person and he struggled just as much as anyone else.

EDGE: Not to compare yourself to Elvis or even Austin Butler's recent portrayal, what discussions did you have with director Kevin Hill on how to approach playing this role?

Dan Berry: Elvis is such an iconic person, and especially in musical theater. It's not often that you get to step into the shoes of a real person, so you want to make sure that you don't cross any lines. I would say Kevin was helpful in creating my Elvis. He sent me a lot of interviews and all the choreography that he would do for certain dances. It sure is easy to have imposter syndrome when you're playing Elvis. We have been focusing on the fact that Elvis had this quality about him that made him so likable, and it is something that it's hard to replicate. So, I have been doing a lot of research, watching videos, and watching his movies to try and capture the essence of who he was as a man and a performer.

EDGE: To prepare for this role, how did you immerse yourself into the world of Elvis?

Dan Berry: It's been amazing fun. There is so much about him out there. With the help of his movies, music, and videos, I have been able to study his voice, his dance moves, and his energy. I hope to give the audience enough of Elvis while still being authentic to myself. I think this musical is very real and raw. It kind of tells you about the darker sides of his life, which isn't often told. For me, it's being authentic to myself as an actor, but also making Elvis come alive.

EDGE: Did you learn anything new about Elvis, and if so, what did you learn?

Dan Berry: Through this process, I feel like I just learned a lot about his humanity. He's a poor kid from Tupelo, who had no idea how big he was going to be. He was really taken advantage of by Colonel Tom Parker, his manager, and other people in his life. I don't think he was ready for it. I think that's kind of what I really picked up on was his humanity. I think that's what I really gravitated to and grasped onto through this musical.

EDGE: What is the hardest aspect of Elvis to nail?

Dan Berry: Elvis had this musicality that was just insane. He understood music in such an inhuman way. He was otherworldly in the way he moved and danced. He really felt the rhythm of the music in his soul. That is the hardest part about him to get right because in a musical, you're trying to keep time and you're trying to make sure you get to a certain point in the music without missing a beat. Elvis never cared about that, because He was just in the music, and he felt it in his whole body. I think that's probably the hardest part is incorporating those moves and making it feel natural. Elvis was just wild. He was moving from head to toe. He really reinvented dance and rock and roll all at the same time. So, probably the hardest part is trying to figure out his body and make it look as smooth as he did. I am really trying to do right by him and do him justice.

EDGE: What is your favorite Elvis song and why?

Dan Berry: There are so many, especially in this musical. David Abbinanti, who is the Musical director, has done a terrific job with the music. He has changed some of the songs to make them a bit more poppy and have a bit more of a progression throughout the musical. I would say my favorite Elvis song is "Heartbreak Hotel." It's the song where he really got into Elvis mode with the curled lip and all. That's where he really got to shine and, in our show, it's a big moment from a stepping-stone into his career to becoming an icon.

EDGE: Whether you're an Elvis fan or not, why should you see this show?

Dan Berry: Elvis fans are going to love it. There are over 40+ Elvis songs. It is just going to be a bunch of fun. If you don't like Elvis, then it's a great show to hold the magnifying glass up to the kind of human he was. He was taken from a normal life and thrown into this new Hollywood world that may have been too much for him. The show really is a fun trip with funny moments and sad moments. It really does encompass everything about Elvis. I think his life was so meaningful to the music industry and its history. I think anyone can appreciate the fact that he came from nothing to become one of the biggest icons in the world.

"Elvis: A Musical Revolution" runs through November 12, 2023 at the North Shore Music Theatre, 54 Dunham Rd., Beverly, MA.
For tickets and information call (978) 232-7200 or click at this link.