ALL SHOOK UP

“All Shook Up” premiered on Broadway in 2005 and toured the UK in 2015 under the title of “Love Me

Tender”, with a story based on Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” and built around Elvis Presley’s music. Somewhat contrived, it nevertheless utilised Elvis’ songs well, employing lots of ensemble backing and harmonies which were excellent for Londonderry’s large and mostly youthful cast. Singing was strong throughout from both chorus and principals. Working out who was in love with who was problematic but every single one had a good singing voice and confident dialogue. Thorin Coffey made a great Chad – the good looking and self-assured young roustabout who arrives in a sleepy and boring town somewhere in the 1950s mid-west and managed to stir up rebellion and lots of love! Reminiscent of Grease’s Danny Zucco, Thorin looked as if he was enjoying the girls’ admiration, singing and acting the part very well! Riana Lynch gave a polished performance as Natalie; equally at home as girl or boy! She did not overplay her loving feelings, and, in the end, everyone was satisfied that she and Chad were good friends rather than getting married. Chad’s instant attraction, the glamorous Miss Sandra, was feistily played by Emer McCaffrey who summarily rejected him. Natalie’s widowed father funny as Jim (David Keown) also fell for Miss Sandra, who showed that she was too intellectual for any of these in “Teddy Bear/Hound Dog” – a great contrapuntal number. Young lovers Lorraine and Dean (Hannah Deane and Corey O’Connor) were an appealing duo, while Lorraine’s mother Mayor Matilda Hyde (Una Culkin) was funny as a bit of an old witch!! Una kept the strict and old-fashioned character going very well, and it was good to see her ‘lighten up’ in the end! Geoff Coke played her side-kick Sheriff Earl – unable to get a word in edgeways, he was a silent partner until he exploded in angry frustration before confessing his love for Matilda. Hooray! Young Greg Parkhill made a tremendous job of showing inner frustration as Dennis, who secretly fancied Natalie all along. His comedic timing was excellent. Finally, Lorraine Roddy’s role as Sylvia, mother of Lorraine and no-nonsense owner of “Sylvia’s Honky Tonk”, maintained a low profile till her song “There’s always Me” where she drew attention to her long closeted affection for Jim. Lorraine’s rich sweet vocals began quietly and rose to a wonderful crescendo which the audience acknowledged with mid-song applause – a rarely achieved accolade.

The Set, comprising stairs on either side joined across the back by a bridge, was well utilised. Various well-made pieces filled the gap under the bridge for Sylvia’s Honky Tonk, the Fairground, etc. – Props for the latter were particularly good with a genuine Dodgem car and huge clown heads. The single decker bus was wonderful! Sound was always balanced and sound effects on time. Lighting was appropriate with well operated Spots providing tight pools of light. The lit-up prison bars were a good idea but rather dazzling. Costumes by Utopia (which had to be retrieved when sent to the wrong society) were colourful and appropriate (some suitable day dresses ended up being sourced by cast). I particularly loved the Prison costumes and the ‘angels’ and ‘devils’ for “Devil in Disguise”.

Peter Doherty’s 14-piece orchestra was upbeat and totally in rhythm with the actors. Vanessa’s choreography was well rehearsed and in the style of the 50s Elvis era. Everyone on stage looked as if they were enjoying every minute – a sure fire way of making the audience feel the same! Deigh directed a pacey show  - slowed somewhat by sluggish first night scene changes. With many cast members new to the stage, he moulded together a vibrant and enthusiastic company.

This was a joyous show and the vibes in the audience said “we are having a great time!” I was delighted to see so many young people on stage and sincerely hope that many of them will stick with LMS. My thanks to everyone involved – it was well worth the long journey from Crawfordsburn to Londonderry.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.