All Shook Up

This was a toe-tapping, feel-good and lively show which 'shook up' its audience with Elvis Presley's great hits. The well choreographed and slick and disciplined movement in the opening number Jailhouse Rock set a high standard which was maintained throughout.The story of Chad a newly jail-released roustabout, forced to stop with bike trouble in a small town and then setting the community alight with his music and ideas is played out in a conservative straitlaced town where more than he is looking for love. Maurice Pryke was very comfortable in this role capturing the impatience, arrogance and sexiness of youth and shaking everybody up with a lively C'mon Everybody and wooing with Love Me Tender before realising who he really loves. Lisa Goldie as Natalie the girl mechanic who falls for him, though initially not attractive enough for him, catches the hesitancy of the unconfident and then gives a storming performance disguised as Ed his side kick, singing movingly in more than one number but especially in Follow That Dream. Bringing comedy and pathos to the role of nonentity Dennis, is Kenny Walker and all are astonished when he wins over, with a Shakespearean sonnet, hot librarian Sandra, a part nailed by Rebecca Anderson. Trying to maintain normality while gently wooing widower Jim, Katie Gardiner gives an experienced and insightful performance as the cafe owner Sylvia, singing tellingly If I Can Dream. As Jim, Kevin Chalmers goes through the middle age crisis phase with some comedic moments before realising his real affection lies with Sylvia. The young love interest was well characterised by Lois McNinch as Lorraine and Ian Davidson, making It's Now or Never their own while Joyce Gallacher was wonderful in the domineering role of Mayor Mathilda delighting with her prohibitive conservatism and subsequent switch to passion. All the principals were strong and supported well by the few minor roles of Sheriff, Henrietta, Fella and Bus Driver (Michael Coyne, Alexandra Kerr, Lewis Dawson, Chris Brooks). The whole cast sang and moved as one. Costumes, hair styles and scenery resonated the 1950's era. The projected images of Elvis' 78 records during scene changes worked well. Congratulations to everyone on a wonderfully entertaining show.

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