Impersonator has Peabody all shook up
Staff writer
Elvis was in the building Saturday night at the Peabody American Legion post — a facsimile, anyway — as impersonator Nevan Castañeda sang Elvis covers for more than two hours to a crowd of Peabody residents.
Castañeda, first in a red velvet shirt and later in a sky-blue sequined jumpsuit, brought a youthful exuberance to the performance, dancing around tables and striking poses on stage.
The crowd cheered as he pulled an elderly woman named Mary out of her seat for a slow dance to “Blue Moon.”
Other members of the audience were similarly wooed throughout; stage presence was not an issue for the 21-year-old from Aurora, Colorado.
The event was organized by Sunflower Theatre’s activities committee and took place in the Legion’s back room, strung with variegated lights for the occasion.
Around 75 residents turned up to watch Castañeda.
“He’s been to El Dorado, and they had, like, 30 people,” Faie Frederickson, a member of the activities committee, said. “I’m really proud of how our town’s turned out.”
Halfway through Castañeda’s set, 18-year-old Dashiell Strotkamp joined him on stage for a rousing rendition of “Hound Dog.”
The two passed the microphone back and forth as they sang.
Pulled pork, hot dogs, baked beans, dill pickles, and a peanut butter-banana parfait were served in honor of the king.
A “guess the Elvis” contest featured eight photos of Peabody residents draped in jumpsuits.
Castañeda, next performing in Aurora and Fort Morgan, Colorado, was positive about his experience in Peabody.
“Never judge a book by its cover,” he said. “The spirit in this place is surprising. What more could you ask for as a performer?”
A July concert is scheduled as Sunflower Theatre’s next community event but will depend on grant money from Kansas Arts Commission which has not yet been confirmed.