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Event
Elvis Presley '68 Comeback TV Special with special guest Producer/Director Steve Binder
CELEBRATE the 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF ELVIS' BIRTHDAY
AT THE PLAZA PLAYHOUSE IN CARPINTERIA
SCREENING THE KING'S 1968 COMEBACK TV SPECIAL
WITH SPECIAL GUEST: PRODUCER/DIRECTOR STEVE BINDER
Elvis Presley, would have turned 80 on January 8, 2015. To commemorate the anniversary of the King's birth, the Plaza Playhouse Theater in Carpinteria will screen an extended cut of the Elvis' Comeback TV Special on January 10, 2015 at 7pm. The special had a one time only showing on NBC-TV on December 3rd, 1968 and was the highest rated program of its type. Running time is 90 minutes.
At a get acquainted meeting in the spring of 1968, Steve Binderrecently tapped to direct an upcoming Christmas TV Special with Elvis Presleywas asked by the King of Rock N' Roll where he saw the singer's career at the moment. Binder, knowing that Presley hadn't had a chart making hit in a number of years and that his last TV performance was nearly seven years before, jokingly replied, "In the toilet."
Surprisingly, Presley didn't take offense to the comment, but instantly took a liking to the honesty expressed by Binder which then launched the two of them into collaborating on what would become a record breaking show by the end of the year. "Elvis the 1968 TV Special" was the official title, but it became better known as "The Comeback Special."
As initially conceived by Col. Tom Parker, Elvis' manager, and several executives of NBC, it was to be a show that would feature primarily carols, hymns and gospel songs. Binder bluntly told Elvis it must showcase the huge hits he had made so popular over the past 12 years and it should be staged in an intimate setting, with Elvis surrounded by the audience. Elvis agreed, but Parker angrily rejected the idea and wanted Binder fired, however, he too came around to accepting the concept.
Proceeds from this show will be for the theater's "Big Screen" campaign. Peter Bie, PP board member said "This will be the final push for the money to buy the big screen and all the accessories needed to complete the experience."
Get the inside story behind the making of the special, fraught with all kinds of off stage troubles and his mutually respectful relationship with Presley, as told by Binder in a Q&A that will follow the showing of the special.
Binder's book, "Elvis 68 at 40 -- A Retrospective," written to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the airing of the show, will be available for sale and signing by the director. It is now out of print and contains many photos of the King never before published.
When Steve was at the Plaza in August for a screening of "The T.A.M.I. Show" it sold out 24 hours in advance and everyone who was lucky enough to be in the house said, "Bring back Steve Binder!" Find out how TV handled the new craze of rock n' roll music with the man who broke all the rules and a few barriers along the way.
Tickets for this one night event are $20 and available in person at Seastrand, 919 Linden Ave., Carpinteria during regular business hours (cash or check only).
The Plaza Playhouse Theater is located at 4916 Carpinteria Avenue, Carpinteria, CA 93013. Phone: (805) 684-6380. Free parking nearby. The box office will be open on Saturday, January 10 from noon until the start of the show at 7pm to accommodate last minute ticket purchases. Wheelchair accessible.
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LocationPlaza Playhouse Theater (View)
4916 Carpinteria Avenue
Carpinteria, CA 93013
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: Yes! |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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