PALM COAST, Fla. (February 14, 2023) – Watching the audience sing along, dance, and take pictures and videos, it was easy to see the pure enjoyment and trip down memory lane those who love the King of Rock ‘n Roll were on Tuesday night.
It’s more than the attention to detail for Ted Torres Martin. A triple-threat, as a musician, actor and singer, he’s an artist of the caliber not often seen in today’s entertainment industry.
For him, it’s a privilege to bring Elvis to life on stage for audiences across the globe.
“I portray Elvis Presley for many productions around the world. It was great to be at the Flagler Auditorium tonight with all the great people,” he said after performing hit songs from the King’s catalogue.
“If I Can Dream” and “The Sound of Your Cry” are his two personal favorites.
“I do it with respect because I honestly love the music, I love the man,” said Torres Martin.
“I was brought into this industry and taken under the wing of a lot of people who worked with him and traveled with him, musicians that worked with him, and family members, so it’s like I felt a responsibility to honor him with the utmost respect for his music and the man himself. I feel a kinship. He was a great entertainer and a beautiful person inside and out.”
With a performance so powerful, breaking into ‘Unchained Melody’ was enough to bring the audience to tears and a standing ovation midway through the second half of the show. Fans of every age had cell phones poised taking photos of the remarkable performance and capturing the moment.
“This was THE best show I’ve seen,” said auditorium patron Mavis Moen breathlessly as she waited with friends after the show for the meet and greet in the lobby.
“It was excellent, excellent, excellent. I felt like I was seeing Elvis Presley.”
Having the opportunity to play the Flagler Auditorium was a treat for Torres Martin as he channeled Elvis. Shannon Martin (no relation) and her mom Karen were among the lucky ladies to receive a real red rose during the performance.
“We’re here because we love Elvis. My daughter has loved Elvis since she was about five years old. She watched a movie of him when she was sick from school, and fell instantly in love with him. She picked up the guitar, started playing the guitar, she’s a wonderful musician, and we love Elvis,” explained Karen Martin.
“It was a gift from my father for all of us. My husband’s with us too,” shared Shannon Martin. “He’s amazing and I’ve seen several shows, as you can imagine.”
The family also attended the Fleetwood Mac tribute show RUMOURS-ATL and appreciate the quality of shows on tap this season.
“They’re fantastic. I am so happy that this is here,” said Karen. “We enjoy it and we love it.”
Dancing with both his companion Renee Franks and at least one of the usher, Eddie Murphy was all about the love, and having a good time.
“I think he was an excellent singer. He has a good voice, a professional. All in all he had good timing, pauses between songs, and he worked the audience very good. He’s a performer,” said Murphy with appreciation.
“I loved the show. He was amazing,” chimed in Franks. “His voice is amazing and he’s gorgeous.”