Rocket Man coming to AG?

I’m not one to spread rumors – unless, of course, they’re juicy ones.

And the buzz is that there’s a chance that Elton John and longtime co-writer Bernie Taupin might drop in to see “The Tumbleweed Connection” at the Clark Center in Arroyo Grande.

“I can tell you there is a chance,” playwright Chris Kahn said a couple of weeks ago. “They have been invited, and they are most definitely aware that it is happening.”

More recently, Kahn added that inquiries had been made on behalf of both John and Taupin. So who knows.

The musical, which begins a 3-week run this weekend, is featured in Thursday’s Ticket cover story.

It’s based on the album of the same name, written by John and Taupin. Kahn, who grew up in San Luis Obispo and now lives in Los Angeles, is putting the show on here, hoping it will be picked up by Broadway.

While John and Taupin were not involved in the production, they did sign off on licensing the music.

“It took a lot of hammering away for me to get the licensing for the performances,” Kahn said. “Elton and Bernie have never licensed their song for regional theater before.”

Kahn has invited several movers and shakers to the show, and two producers – Grammy and Academy Award winners – have pledged to come. But he’d like to have John and Taupin there as well.

Taupin lives in nearby Santa Ynez so it’s conceivable. And while John performs in Vegas on the weekends, he’s usually off Sundays.

The play centers on two brothers –- a favorite son and a black sheep -- set during World War I. While most of the music comes from John’s 1970 album, a few others from that era –- like “Madman Across the Water” –- will also be performed.

Ironically, “Tumbleweed Connection” will wrap up just before “Movin’ Out” comes to Cal Poly. That Broadway musical, now touring the nation, is based on the music of another piano man, Billy Joel. You can read about that play in the Nov. 1 Ticket.



--Pat P.