Riverside Dinner Theater is trading in fancy sets and musical show tunes for gold lame and rock 'n' roll: It's the return of world-renowned Elvis impersonator Michael Hoover.

The Mother's Day celebration concert "Spring With the King" marks the seventh appearance at Riverside by Hoover. The theater expects a sold-out performance.

Jennifer Diego, marketing and advertising director for Riverside, said his shows always receive a warm welcoming from Fredericksburg-area residents.

"He's always done really, really well," she said. "He has a following."

Hoover has performed as the late Elvis Presley for more than 20 years, winning multiple awards for his dead-on appearance and sound. In 1988 he was named "the best Elvis tribute artist in the world" in a Memphis contest to commemorate the anniversary of Presley's death.

His performances are geared toward Elvis lovers, families and all rock 'n' roll enthusiasts. Hoover will sing all the Presley classics.

"It's definitely an all-ages show," Diego said. "There have been children in the audience with their mothers and then their grandmothers sitting right next to them."

Much as the King did, Hoover takes time to acknowledge the spectators during his performance, creating a fan frenzy among the audience.

"On the very last song, he always goes up to the women and gives them a scarf and kiss on a cheek, and they hoot and holler," Diego said.

Tickets include the show, dinner and dessert.

Bobbie Hoover, manager and wife of Michael Hoover, will sell memorabilia in the lobby after the performance, including pictures, CDs and the famous red scarves.

Hoover, of Garrisonville, tours around the country, but always returns to this area to open arms.

"He performs at wedding receptions and charity events all around," Diego said. "But he does stay true to his hometown. They always come out to see him."

Megan Grigorian: 540/374-5000, ext. 5658
Email: mgrigorian@freelancestar.com