Graceland

Written By: Ellen Byron

Director: Wanda Reinholdt

Venue: Stage 2, Strathcona Community League

Company: Reinholdt Productions

Edmonton International Fringe Festival from August 15-24th

Reviewed by: Xanthe Couture (Edmonton Correspondent - Canada)

Graceland centers around the experiences of the young Rootie Mallert, played by the talented 16 year old Cyra Stolz. Starting ten years in the future of the second half of the play; Rootie is waiting at the doors to Graceland in order to be the first one in Elvis's house. But steadfast Bev Davies, played by Cyra's mother Diana-Marie, also plans to be the first, and as the two battle it out, they realize they have much in common. 

Flashback to ten years earlier and the story of Rootie's past is divulged as we see her interact with her favourite brother Beau, played by Angus Wilson.  This portion of the play is a bit long and the relationship between brother and sister a bit too warm and fuzzy to be considered realistic.