All Shook Up

Light hearted, amusing and energetic would be a pertinent description of this juke box musical. Set in the 50’s with the many well known melodies made famous by Elvis Presley, the story revolves around the Roustabout Chad, a guitar player who sweeps into a small town, where not much happens, on his motorcycle. When he brings an old juke box back to life, the community also gets a new lease of life, the townspeople finding themselves involved in many love tangles which fortunately are all teased out with happy endings all round.

The dynamic opening ‘Jail House Rock’ with the company in striking black and white prison costumes got the show off to a rocking start and this momentum was maintained throughout with punchy big numbers which oozed energy. There are some wonderful arrangements of the many Elvis numbers and I was most impressed by the standard of singing and vocal harmonies which were so evident. ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love,’ ‘Burning Love’ and the finale were particularly memorable.

The principal characters were all extremely well cast and very well played by these youngsters. Chad, is a very demanding role and Joe Mooney gave a most charismatic performance singing well and displaying the moves and mannerisms of the ‘teddy boys’ of the 50’s. Not much wonder Natalie the mechanic immediately fell for Chad. Claire Wooton gave an excellent performance as Natalie interpreting the character very well indeed and delivering both her dialogue and musical numbers with flair and panache. Lorraine, the daughter of the Honkey -Tonk’s owner Sylvia, was most ably played by Emma Clarkson, a good all rounder with a winning smile. The contrast between the feisty and the emotional Lorraine when she falls in love was well portrayed. Dean (Matthew Steel) was also most believable in his love interest for Lorraine.

I was surprised to read that Dennis (Bobby Duncan) was such a young lad. He was most convincing in the role of the somewhat gormless, ‘loser in love’ who gained the audience’s sympathy and I for one was so glad he found love in the end. Sylvia (Ellie De Marco) the Honky-Tonk owner has a lovely singing voice and showed great warmth in her relationship with Jim (Nicolas Hann-Rengifo) who made an excellent transition from the somewhat sad, staid Jim to the cool man about town. Robin McGillvray was a most demure, sophisticated Sandra who is a real heart breaker. The snooty, domineering mayor Matilda (Emily Cooper) commanded the stage but  was happy to let down her guard when she received a proposal of marriage. Sheriff Earl may be a small cameo role but Cameron Armstrong handled it well and deserved the round of applause he received when he was eventually permitted to speak!

This was a first class production with very strong leads, a vivacious chorus who delivered the well directed choreography and musical numbers with style and confidence. They made a wonderful sound with a good balance between the stage and the pit. Colourful costumes and creative lighting all enhanced the production.

This was a superb, feel good show which certainly rocked. Vey well done indeed LY. It is so encouraging to see so much young talent on stage.

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