All shook Up

A friend of mine had been raving about this wonderful show, that she was in, since before last Christmas, but all the talk of Elvis Presley gave me reservations. So without having done any research, my wife and I were really expecting to see a production portraying his life story. 

What we saw was a “Juke box Musical” from 2004. A fabulous musical comedy written by Joe DiPietro loosely based on Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” and using songs that were popularised by Elvis Presley.

This was a fabulous feel good musical. Five couples from across the age range sharing love and heartache, but eventually they all find their true love and live happily ever after.  I thought it was superb, it was full of energy, with an excellent cast who appeared to love every minute and gave it their all.  P & P took this show and made it their own.

I thought the characterisation of all the major roles was excellent. Some of the Comic timing and facial expression was amazing. I do not remember when I last laughed so much at the theatre and as all the couples found true love in the second act, I was reduced to a blubbering wreck will tears of joy.

 That tells me that cast had taken the audience on a journey to their fantasy world and created the perfect Illusion

I understand that it was planned to have the excellent, ten piece band under the stage. But technical problems meant they had to be moved to the traditional orchestra pit. Unfortunately, as good as they were, they proved to be far too loud for the Barrington theatre and at times it was difficult to hear the chorus singing

However, I came away from the theatre on a fabulous high and would have loved to have seen the production again if I could have found the free time 

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