The Athens Theatre in DeLand is starting the new year with a bang — or, rather, with a Rocket Man! Simply put, they may as well have Elton, as Scotsman Rus Anderson was Elton John’s official body double for his “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” world tour videos and photos!
Hand-picked by Elton John himself, it was Rus’ own live production of The Rocket Man Show that got him noticed. In the show, Rus re-creates the magic and live persona of a young Elton like no other: storming around the stage with a fun-loving sense of flamboyance — part diva, part soccer player, killer vocalist, fierce piano player, and all rock ’n’ roller.
With Rus’ painstaking attention to detail, including wearing gorgeous, colorful and spectacular costumes (many actually worn by Elton), this is widely known as the most authentic Elton John tribute show in the world.
Rus and his full band of merry crackerjack musicians are the very best in the business. The show is 100-percent live in both vocals and instrumentation. Absolutely no tracks or lip-syncing.
The performance itself is an extremely sincere, intense and visual spectacle of a journey. There are ballads and driving rock songs, so be prepared to laugh, cry, sing and dance as this performance will remind everyone of the highs and lows of Elton’s epic career.
The Rocket Man Show will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 7, and Saturday, Jan. 8.
Tickets cost $35 for preferred reserved seating (first six rows orchestra and first two rows balcony), and $30 for all other seats. A $3-per-ticket processing charge and 6.5-percent sales tax will be added to each purchase.
All tickets are available online at the Athens Theatre website at www.AthensDeLand.com, or by calling the box office at 386-736-1500. Box-office hours are 1-5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, and 1 1/2 hours before live performances.
Masks are required for all attendees.
The Athens Theatre is at 124 N. Florida Ave. in DeLand.
