Published: May 07, 2008 10:37 am            

'Fantastic' performance | Arcadia books Elton John impersonator

By TOM LAVIS

TLAVIS@TRIBDEM.COM

Outrageous glasses, flamboyant outfits and timeless classics are all part of a tribute to one of the world’s legendary performers.

“An Elton John Tribute” will be presented at 8 p.m. Wednesday at Arcadia Theater, 1418 Graham Ave., Windber.

The multitalented performer Walt Wise has been performing as Captain Fantastic for more than 10 years.

“Captain Fantastic will amaze the audience with wild costumes that go from bizarre to captivating,” said Frank Cunsolo, Arcadia president and program director.

“He brings along a 5-foot baby grand piano that has all the bells and whistles, including lasers and a fog machine.”

This amazing piano, designed and built by Captain Fantastic, has an electronically controlled lid that opens and closes by remote control.

Health-care provider, e.map, has partnered with the Arcadia to produce the show. While the bulk of the tickets will go to e.map customers, good seats are still available.

“We have plenty of seats available for those who want to see a great tribute performance,” Cunsolo said.

“This is truly an extravaganza of sight and sound, and features dead-on covers of classic Elton John songs.”

Patrons should be prepared to take a musical journey that will include some of John’s greatest hits.

“If he did all of Elton John’s hits, the show would take three or four hours to perform,” Cunsolo said.

“He also will be accompanied by some top studio musicians who provide backdrop renditions of these classic hits.”

Songs such as “Good-bye Yellow Brick Road,” Rocket Man,” “Philadelphia Freedom” an “Your Song” will delight the audience.

Along with great music, Wise flaunts his bizarre and breathtaking costumes. The audience will be treated to gold sequined jackets, glitter hats, fur capes, platform shoes, jewelry, and a collection of gold, silver, feathered, velvet and diamond glasses.

Wise plays guitar, saxophone, piano, harmonica and mandolin as well as more ethnic instruments such as the Irish whistle, which Wise uses every year in his one-man Christmas show, “Wishes.”

He has performed at Walt Disney World, Caesar’s Palace, Ford Motors, Hard Rock Casino, House of Blues and for the Navy, to name a few.

He has shared the stage with such musical legends as the Beach Boys, the Commodores, Styx and Bo Diddley.

Tickets are available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at the theater box office or by calling 467-9070.

Tickets are $32 and $35.



On stage

What: “An Elton John Tribute.”

When: 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Where: Arcadia Theater, 1418 Graham Ave., Windber.

Tickets: From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at the theater box office or by calling 467-9070.

Cost: $32 and $35.

        

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