THE STORY: The place is the front entrance of Graceland, the late Elvis Presley’s Memphis mansion, the time, five o’clock in the morning, three days before the estate is to be opened to the public. Two ardent Presley fans, Bev and Rootie, are camped out before the gates, each determined to be the first to enter the sacred precincts. Bev is a bewigged, middle-aged lady with too much make-up and a brassy down-home style; Rootie is young and shy and somewhat intimidated by the raucous Bev. Wary at first, the two soon progress from dispute to shared confidences and a growing compassion that, in the end, moves the essentially warm-hearted Bev to defer the place of honor to her waif-like and touchingly sincere rival.
Critically hailed in its production by the Actors Theatre of Louisville, as part of the 1983 Shorts Festival (and previously presented at the Festival of New Plays in Philadelphia) this very funny and ultimately touching play deals with the rivalry of two Elvis Presley fans to be the first to enter their fallen idol’s lavish estate.
“As the two women discuss the depth of their devotion to Elvis, they slowly reveal the sad and funny sides of their lives. By the end of the play, their competition has dissolved into a touching reconciliation.” —Philadelphia Courier-Post.
“…it will surprise you in the end by cutting below its slick surface to a climax of unexpected passion.” —Village Voice.
“…it disturbs both intentionally and unintentionally.” —Philadelphia Inquirer.
Included in the collection
Graceland and Asleep on the Wind.
