On the 59th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s first Las Vegas performance, Graceland is opening the doors to a multi-faceted, authentic Elvis experience that showcases the man, the performer and the music that revolutionized popular culture around the world.“Graceland Presents ELVIS: The Exhibition – The Show – The Experience” is now open at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, the same hotel where Elvis performed more than 600 record-breaking, sold-out shows between 1969 and 1976 when it was the International Hotel and then Las Vegas Hilton.
Priscilla Presley and Lisa Marie Presley presided over a formal “blue suede” ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil their personal treasures from the family archives, from rarely seen artifacts including Elvis’ personal television remote from his Graceland bedroom to Lisa Marie’s baby shoes. Priscilla served as the matron of honor for the first wedding in Elvis Presley’s Graceland Wedding Chapel, and tonight, she and Lisa Marie will hold a VIP red carpet gala for the debut of the “Elvis Experience” musical production that embodies the spirit of the king himself.
“Just think, it was 59 years ago today that Elvis performed his first show in Las Vegas,” said Priscilla Presley. “Elvis loved Las Vegas and he loved his fans – he would be the first to welcome you to this great exhibition of his life. Lisa and I are so happy to share these wonderful artifacts from our family with you and are thrilled to bring the authentic Elvis back to Las Vegas for the first time in 40 years.”
FIRST PERMANENT ELVIS EXHIBITION OUTSIDE OF GRACELAND
The first-ever permanent Elvis exhibition outside of Graceland encompasses more than 28,000 square feet and includes hundreds of artifacts from the Presley family’s treasured Graceland Archives. The exhibition takes visitors on an unprecedented journey through Elvis’ life and career, beginning with his early days in Tupelo, Mississippi through his first recording session in Memphis, rise to fame, Hollywood career, life at Graceland, the Las Vegas years and more. Graceland-produced videos immerse guests in the experience, concluding with a 26-minute retrospective film featuring Elvis’ greatest performances. Select artifacts will be rotated regularly with artifacts from the Graceland Archives to ensure the exhibit is constantly evolving and remains fresh. The exhibition is open seven days a week from 10 am to 10 pm. Tickets are priced at $22 plus taxes and fees, and are available for purchase at Graceland.com/Vegas.
Exhibition Highlights:
- Tupelo and Memphis. This collection of artifacts follows Elvis’ humble beginnings in Tupelo, Mississippi to his family’s move to Memphis, where Elvis’ discovery of gospel blues would influence his music and drive his rock & roll sound. Guests can peruse family portraits; the Presley family bible; Elvis’ 1950 and 1952 high school yearbooks, and graduation tassel; his mother Gladys’ poodle purse, dress shoes and social security card; family loan papers; and paystubs from Elvis’ first job as a delivery truck driver for Crown Electric.
- Elvis Mania. In 1956, Elvis released his first album on the RCA recording label and appeared on a variety of nationally televised shows, including the Ed Sullivan show. This is the same year that Elvis first graced the silver screen in his acting debut, “Love Me Tender,” and had a No. 1 hit by the same name. The Elvis Mania exhibit documents this rise to fame including personal copies of his first singles on the Sun record label,1955 RCA contract, a variety of Elvis Presley collectibles, his custom leather guitar case, the gold record for his eponymous first album, and wardrobe pieces from “Jailhouse Rock,” which was released in 1957.
- Elvis in the Army. From 1958 to 1960, Elvis took a break from his singing and acting career and proudly served his country n the U.S. Army. This marks a particularly poignant time in his life, as he met his future wife – Priscilla Beaulieu – while stationed in Germany. Guests in this exhibit see Elvis’ army fatigues, fan letters, a check written to Moulin Rouge from his time on leave in Paris, and iconic photos of his famous military haircut at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas.
- At the young age of 22, Elvis purchased his first home where he would live with his mother, father and grandmother. A 17,000-square-foot property sitting on 13 acres, Graceland was a place where Elvis could relax and get away from his busy life as a singer and actor. Later in life, Priscilla and Elvis would marry and raise their daughter Lisa Marie at Graceland, a home Elvis vowed to never sell. Today, Graceland is visited by hundreds of thousands of people every year. At the Las Vegas exhibit one area that showcases Elvis’ Memphis home allows guests to see baby Lisa Marie’s footprints and baby shoes, a silver tray etched with Elvis and Priscilla’s photo on their wedding day, their wedding china and more.
- Elvis in Hollywood. Between 1958and 1968, Elvis left live performance touring to serve in the U.S. Army and then focus on his movie career, starring in 31 feature films – such as “Jailhouse Rock,” “King Creole,” “Viva Las Vegas” and “Blue Hawaii” – and two theatrical musical documentaries, including Golden Globe winner “Elvis on Tour.” This exhibit features a collection of scripts, movie posters, a pair of coveralls worn in “Viva Las Vegas,” his bomber jacket from “It Happened at the World’s Fair” and more.
- Elvis in Las Vegas. For Elvis’ first stint in Las Vegas at the New Frontier in April 1956, Colonel Parker billed him as the “Atomic-Powered Singer.” This title would prove true as Elvis signed a deal with the International Hotel in 1969 and became the reigning king of live entertainment in Las Vegas, breaking all box office records for the city. Guests exploring Elvis’ Las Vegas history can see iconic stage costumes from Elvis’ live performances, Priscilla’s dress from Elvis’ opening night at the International Hotel, the suit Elvis wore when signing his 1969 contract, and never-before-displayed advertisements placed by Parker throughout the city from bus stops to billboards. Of particular note is the gold-plated belt encrusted with diamonds, rubies and sapphires that Elvis received in 1969 for breaking Las Vegas breaking box office records and later wore for a meeting with President Nixon in the Oval Office; and a contract written by Parker on a table cloth – complete with coffee stains – when owners of the International Hotel agreed to initial terms on Elvis’ long-term engagement.
- Elvis on the Road. Even before he became the king of rock & roll, Elvis loved anything with a motor that moved fast. This would become a theme in his life especially after he achieved fame. It’s estimated that Elvis purchased more than 200 cars – some for family and friends, others for strangers and dozens for himself – including Cadillacs, Rolls Royces, Mercedes and Harley Davidson motorcycles. Elvis was often behind the wheel driving his band members for early tours and cross-country trips. Guests to this exhibit can view cars from Elvis’ collection, including a 1957 Harley Davidson motorcycle, 1962 Lincoln Continental and the1971 prototype Stutz Blackhawk delivered to Elvis at the International Hotel.
- 1968 Comeback Special. After an eight-year hiatus from live musical performances, Elvis took to the stage once again for a concert taped on NBC’s Burbank lot dubbed the “1968 Comeback Special.” Elvis reenergized his singing career performing a collection of classic hits and new material for the TV special, which was NBC’s highest rated show of the year, priming Elvis for his Las Vegas run. The exhibit space documenting this performance includes Elvis’ iconic “If I Can Dream” white suit, and the blue chair used in the sit-down jam sessions in the special.
ELVIS PRESLEY’S GRACELAND WEDDING CHAPEL
Elvis Presley’s Graceland Wedding Chapel at the Westgate is the first chapel outside of Graceland to be operated by Elvis Presley Enterprises. Couples can be joined together in an atmosphere of southern hospitality unique to the Graceland experience.
Winners of a nationwide contest by NBC’s Today Show, Kaycee Satava and Cameron Baker, were the first couple to be married at Elvis Presley’s Graceland Wedding Chapel the morning of April 23, with Priscilla Presley serving as matron of honor. Kaycee became an Elvis fan as a child, when she would listen to his music and watch his movies as she took medication for a health condition that forced her to be immobile for long periods of time.
Wedding and vow renewal packages for Elvis Presley’s Graceland Wedding Chapel have been specially designed to bring the authentic and memorable Graceland wedding experience to Las Vegas. For information on booking the chapel for a wedding or vow renewal ceremony, visit Graceland.com/Vegas.
ELVIS EXPERIENCE LIVE MUSICAL PRODUCTION
The newly renamed and renovated Elvis Presley Theater at the International Showroom is now featuring the critically acclaimed “Elvis Experience,” produced by LCQ Productions, on the very stage where Elvis performed for millions of guests during his record-breaking, seven-year stint from 1969 through 1976. The theater has been restored to have the same look and feel it had when Elvis performed in this historic showroom.
Elvis Experience is a large-scale production replicating one of Elvis’ legendary Las Vegas shows, starring actor Martin Fontaine and featuring 24 musicians and eight choir members portraying the original musicians and artists on stage with Elvis. Elvis Experience performs Tuesdays through Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale now and start at $49 plus taxes and fees. Following this limited engagement that will end May 30, the property will feature other limited-run, Graceland-produced live shows in The Elvis Presley Theater.
Joel Weinshanker, Managing Partner of Graceland Holdings, LLC, stated, “In a country without royalty, there has truly only been, and continues to be, one king – Elvis Presley. And now in Las Vegas, there is only one place to see the real thing, at the Westgate Resort & Casino.” He continued, “I can promise each and every visitor to our Elvis exhibition, live shows and chapel, an experience that will make them want to come back time and time again, as well as take a trip to Memphis to visit the one and only Graceland.”
To purchase tickets now for the exhibitionand“Elvis Experience” live show, and for information about the wedding chapel packages, please visit Graceland.com/Vegas. For more information or to book accommodations at the new Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, call toll free at (800) 732-7117 or log on to www.westgatevegas.com.
ABOUT GRACELAND AND ELVIS PRESLEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
Elvis Presley’s Graceland, in Memphis, is music’s most important and beloved landmark, with hundreds of thousands of fans from around the world visiting the historic home each year. Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (EPE) manages the operations of Graceland, its related properties, including the recently-announced Guest House at Graceland 450-room hotel to be built in Memphis, as well as the Graceland Archives, featuring thousands of artifacts from Elvis’ home and career. EPE also produces and licenses Elvis-themed live events, tours and attractions worldwide, including “Direct from Graceland: Elvis at The O2” in London, and the upcoming “Graceland Presents ELVIS: The Exhibition – The Show – The Experience” coming to the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. Graceland Holdings LLC, led by managing partner Joel Weinshanker, is the majority owner of EPE. In 2013, Graceland was voted the #1 Iconic American Attraction by USA Today and 10Best.com readers. For more information on EPE and Graceland, visit graceland.com.
ABOUT WESTGATE LAS VEGAS RESORT & CASINO
The Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, a legendary world-class destination adjacent to the Convention Center, offers a unique blend of entertainment, excitement and amenities. The property hosts more than 200,000 square feet of meeting space amid an iconic casino featuring the world’s largest race and sports SuperBook®, eight restaurants and the entertainment mix of The Elvis Presley Theater at the International Showroom, and Westgate Cabaret. Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino is currently undergoing a property-wide $100 million renovation starting with 300 timeshare units, the International Bar and 1,200 signature rooms. For more information or to book accommodations, contact us toll free at (800) 732-7117 or online at www.westgatevegas.com.
