All /shook Up

A simple story, written primarily as a vehicle for Elvis Presley songs, this show is becoming a favourite with societies as it ticks a lot of boxes.  Great fun for the cast to perform, a range of parts for all ages in the company, great songs (of course) and it should be a box office hit with audiences.

There is no doubt that the audience enjoyed this performance, so it was a shame that there were not as many people watching as the show deserves.  Still a reasonable audience, but LODS have a strong reputation for good shows, so I would have expected more for a Friday night performance.

The principals were both excellent, Jamie Sampson played the lead role of Chad with great style and all the right moves and facial expressions. He did, however, understand and take advantage of the comedy element in the part to great effect.  He has significant experience on stage, and this showed in his charismatic performance. 

Natalie McMillan played Natalie and, although this is her first adult leading role, she performed it well.  Its not an easy part as she must maintain a male character for much of the show but, I think, she succeeded.  I have seen others play this part and not be so convincing.

The other Principals all played their parts well and their singing and timing was excellent.   James Cohen played Dennis well, he maintained the geekiness throughout, and this was a very enjoyable performance.  Joanne Halliday (Miss Sandra) was good, bringing just the right touch of haughty sarcasm to the role.  Peter Brown (Jim Haller) showed what a versatile actor he is.  I have seen Peter in many roles and he always manages to bring something fresh to his character.  Newcomer Sasha Monique was terrific as Sylvia, obviously a seasoned performer with excellent stage presence.   Danni De Gregorio was Mayor Matilda Hyde and she had the character spot on; her return to the stage, after a break, is welcome.  Paul Ward played Sheriff Earl and, as I know the show, I was waiting expectantly for his ‘break out’ moment.  He did not disappoint, a great contrast to the earlier submissive performance.  Rebecca Wallace (Lorraine) is another experienced actress and she had the character perfectly. Nathan Gray complete the line-up of principals with his performance as the submissive son of the Mayor, Dean Hyde.   His ‘breakout’ moment was also well played.

The members of the ensemble were outstanding, every single one worked their socks off to give lively and strong performances.  The energy coming from the stage was, at times, palpable.  I felt quite exhausted just watching!   As always with Sallie Warrington’s choreography, it was challenging.   But she had a team of strong dancers who delivered, and the entire company were well drilled in all the moves.

As I have come to expect from this company, the singing was superb, MD Rachael Plunket knows how to get the best from the cast and there were some memorable moments in the singing that will remain with me for a long time.

The scenery was simple but effective, and the costumes were, in the main, right.  There were some lovely dresses, all accessorised with net petticoats.  There was also some contrast between the first half, when they were supposed to be dowdy, and the second half when they began to rebel and wore brighter colours.  

However, when the dialogue says the “roustabout was wearing tight jeans” and Dennis’s jeans were even tighter, someone should have spotted that!   But, that is one small niggle in a show that was well directed, strongly choreographed and beautifully performed. 

My thanks for an excellent evening’s entertainment, enhanced by the hospitality given to us both on our arrival and during the interval. 

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