"ELTON UNDRESSED" AT THEATERWORKS HARTFORD

Reginald Kenneth Dwight was born in 1947 in England to a supportive mother and a disinterested father. It wasn’t until his mother divorced and remarried that he was encouraged to pursue a musical career. At seven years of age, after performing for family and at parties for several previous years, he was given formal piano lessons. Early on, he admitted to being inspired and influenced by Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis. After hearing them, he stated “I didn’t ever want to be anything else.” This singer, composer and pianist who has enjoyed a spectacular six decade career, sold over 300 million records and raised millions of dollars for HIV/AIDS research, started his first band Bluesology when he was just a teenager. His restrained and conservative childhood led him to become bigger than life on the stage, with flamboyant costumes, including platform boots, and wild glasses in imitation of Buddy Holly. He even changed his name in homage to two members of that original music group, Elton Dean and Long John Baldry. Welcome Sir Elton Hercules John. Since 1967 he has enjoyed a collaboration with Bernie Taupin and together they have produced 30 albums. Taupin writes the lyrics and sends them to John who then composes the music. Interestingly, they are never in the same room working. You now have the unique opportunity to get an up close and intimate look into the heart and soul, life and music, of Elton John at TheaterWorks Hartford from Friday to Sunday, April 1-3 with “Elton Undressed” a new one man show starring Todd Alsup. A native of Detroit and now a proud New Yorker, Todd Alsup’s extensive and intensive immersion into the world of contemporary music and his familiarity with Top 40 artists, makes him the perfect musician to delve deeply into Elton John’s legendary charisma and character. His skills on the piano and his distinctive voice will carry the audience into a magical and colorful kaleidoscope of joy. As a well established singer, songwriter and keyboardist, with the endorsement of Yamaha as a Corporate Artist, Todd Alsup is the ideal man to open vistas into the life of the Rocket Man. Plan to enjoy such favorites as “Bernie and the Jets,” “She’s Always a Woman to Me,” “Goodbye Yellow Brick Man,” “Tiny Dancer” “My Gift is My Song” and “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me,” as well as many others. Be prepared for fresh and flamboyant, original and outrageous and daring and decadent. For tickets ($30-45), call TheaterWorks Hartford, 233 Pearl Street, Hartford at 860-537-7838 or online at www.TWHartford.org. Performances are Friday, April 1 at 8 p.m., Saturday, Apri 2 at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 3 at 2:30 p.m. Proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test within 24-48 hours, depending on the test, and a mask are required. A portion of each ticket will benefit the Connecticut World AIDS Day Committee. Come meet Todd Alsup whose fans are known as “The Todd Squad.” Remember to wear your most wild eye wear! Learn more about Sir Elton and revel in the spectacular music he has gifted to the world.