FOLSOM – The music, energy and unforgettable stage presence of one of rock’s greatest bands will come alive in Folsom next week as One Night of Queen: Performed by Gary Mullen & The Works takes the stage at the Harris Center for the Arts.
The internationally acclaimed Queen tribute production will perform Friday, July 17, at 7:30 p.m. inside the Harris Center for the Arts on the campus of Folsom Lake College. The two-hour theatrical concert recreates the music, spectacle and excitement that made Queen one of the most celebrated live acts in rock history.
Led by internationally recognized Freddie Mercury tribute artist Gary Mullen, the production has entertained audiences around the world for more than two decades with an authentic recreation of Queen’s legendary live performances. Complete with elaborate lighting, powerful sound production, signature costumes and Mercury’s unmistakable stage mannerisms, the show is designed to transport audiences back to the band’s arena-rock glory days.
This year’s production pays tribute to Queen’s iconic 1986 Magic Tour, the band’s final concert tour with Freddie Mercury. While the original tour never reached the United States, the production gives American audiences the opportunity to experience the music and theatrical style inspired by those historic performances.
Mullen’s journey to becoming one of the world’s best-known Freddie Mercury tribute performers began unexpectedly in 2000. A lifelong Queen fan with a powerful singing voice, he was secretly entered into the popular British television talent competition Stars in Their Eyes by his wife and mother.
Performing as Freddie Mercury, Mullen captured the attention of viewers across the United Kingdom, winning the live grand final with a record-setting 864,838 public votes—more than double the runner-up and the highest vote total in the program’s history. His performance also earned appearances in the show’s official video, CD and book while representing the United Kingdom in Euro Stars in Their Eyes.
Following the overwhelming response to his television appearance, Mullen launched a successful solo career before creating One Night of Queen and assembling The Works in 2002.
Today, the production has grown into one of the world’s most successful Queen tribute shows, consistently performing more than 150 concerts annually throughout North America and Europe while earning rave reviews from audiences and critics alike.
Backing Mullen on stage are an accomplished group of musicians equally passionate about Queen’s music. Guitarist David Brockett faithfully recreates Brian May’s iconic guitar work, while drummer Jon Halliwell captures Roger Taylor’s powerful rhythms. Keyboardist Malcolm Gentles completes the band’s rich musical arrangements, helping deliver the layered sound that defined Queen’s recordings and live performances.
Together, the group performs a nonstop collection of Queen classics in a high-energy production featuring concert-quality lighting, sound and choreography. From soaring rock anthems to emotional ballads, the performance remains true to the spirit of Queen while celebrating the music that continues to inspire generations of fans.
Mullen’s dedication to honoring Freddie Mercury has earned recognition from Queen themselves. He was personally invited by guitarist Brian May to attend a Queen + Paul Rodgers concert in Cardiff, where he met the legendary guitarist backstage—an experience Mullen has described as leaving him speechless.
Beyond his tribute performances, Mullen has also recorded voiceover work for radio, television and computer games and released an album of original music with longtime songwriting partner Barry Kelly titled Blood, Sweat and Beers.
The Harris Center describes the production as “A Kind of Magic,” inviting audiences to sing, dance and celebrate the timeless music of Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon during an evening that recreates the excitement of a classic Queen concert.
Tickets for One Night of Queen are available through the Harris Center box office and online. The Harris Center for the Arts is located on the campus of Folsom Lake College at 10 College Parkway in Folsom.
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