All Shook Up

Now in its 40th Year and for something special, Harlequin decided to repeat a favourite which they last performed in 2009 and again, it all shook up the theatre at Eastwood with the songs of Elvis, the King of the 1950s – reminiscence for some and new but still quite fresh to others.   Sophie Aziz was well cast as Natalie, the young mechanic – later masquerading as “Ed”.   Jack McNeilage took the lead role of Chad, the hip-swinging rock guitarist just released from prison.    Chad, in need of a mechanic is introduced to Natalie who is instantly smitten.   Dennis (Max Yuill) who is Natalie’s best friend has a real crush on her but she is oblivious.    The glamorous Sandra (Rebecca Baillie), curator of the local museum appears and Chad falls instantly in love with her.   Kevin Glasgow as Jim Haller, Natalie’s widowed father further complicates matters because of his attraction to Sandra and Sylvia (Katy Carey).    Dean Hyde (Mark McLaughlin), son of Mayor Matilda is interested in Lorraine (Anna Cowen), one of Natalie’s friends.  So the scene is set for the unwinding of the romantic intrigues which is accomplished by the interweaving of Elvis’s songs with the story - much in the same manner as in Mama Mia.
The remaining principals were Mayor Matilda (Siobhan Archibald) and Sheriff Earl (Iain Shearer).  Ensembles of Girls and Boys completed the large cast.   I remain impressed with the compactness of the principal cast in regard to the amount of material that is covered in this show and with Harlequin’s high standard of production and presentation. 

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