Elvis Presley will be the toast of Thomaston as the Ritz Theatre once again presents a “Tribute to The King,” featuring Todd Allen Herendeen and celebrating what would have been the late performer’s 78th birthday.

“We do several live shows a year, but ‘Elvis’ is by far the most popular in terms of both the number of people who come and their reaction to the show,” Ritz owner Malcolm Neal said.

Herendeen performs in costume some of Elvis’ most popular songs, even giving away scarves during the show as Elvis did.

“He gets the biggest ovations for Elvis’ ‘America’ song, a tribute to America and its armed forces. It’s a patriotic melody of songs about how great America is,” Neal said.

Herendeen and his Follow That Dream band also interact some with the audience, often calling onstage audience members who share Elvis’ Jan. 8 birthday.

People whose birthday is Jan. 8 or Jan. 10 will be admitted free with proof of their birth date, Neal said. Tickets are available at the theater any evening or at the Thomaston-Upson Arts Council Gallery, 118 S. Church St., Thomaston.

-- Laura Shirley

Tribute to the King

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday

Where: Ritz Theatre, 114 S. Church St., Thomaston.

Cost: $15 advance, $20 at door

Information: (706) 647-5372