All Shook Up

This was the first outing for me in 2020 and also my first time of seeing ‘All Shook Up’. Having spoken to some of the cast beforehand who were really enjoying rehearsals, I was intrigued to say the least. Juke box type musicals may roll out numerous recognised songs but the storyline is often pretty weak so I was expecting the Elvis hits to win me over.  

So, to the Selkirk production. WOW! The town of Selkirk has truly been ‘All Shook Up’ this week. The company threw their all into this show and certainly produced a resounding triumph. The excellent band and the superb musical arrangements of the many recognisable hits deserves their own special credits.  The scenes were simple, but cleverly designed and constructed with lighting to give maximum effect, including backdrop projection. The few wipes that were used helped facilitate slick changes from start to finish.  The costumes were well stylised to the 1950’s and the girls in particularly had some stunning outfits, not forgetting the many pairs of blue suede shoes. 

Leading man Chad and Choreographer, Stuart Mitchell, did a wonderful job in his pivotal role and  showed off his prowess within the many slick dance numbers . A young man with huge talent and charisma was hardly ever off stage, and produced some of the show’s vocal highlights, ‘I Don’t Want To’, in particular. Huge congratulations Stuart on a massive job, well done.

Natalie played by Kirsty Cleland, a young motor mechanic, was superbly cast. In her love smitten ploy to attract the roustabout Chad, she plays the guise of Ed, with oil smudged face for most of the show until she is finally foiled and gets the chance to dress up. A girl, worth her weight in gold, who matched her leading man in moves and vocal ability. In ‘One Night With You’, the perfectly timed stills worked a treat, as did the highlight with Chad in, ‘Follow That Dream’, which she reprised beautifully as ‘Ed’.  She also sung from the heart, accompanied by the superb chorus, in ‘A Little Less Conversation’ and ‘Fools Fall in Love’. A thoroughly deserved leading role. 

Nervous and love-struck for his long-time friend Natalie, was Dennis, superbly portrayed by Ross Aitkin. Another talented young man who has grown in confidence to become a very valuable member of this young company.  His thoughtful characterisation and overall interaction with everyone throughout the show created a sterling performance. For me his solo highlight was ‘It Hurts Me’ but he also made a major contribution during the impressive stellar hits, ‘Hound Dog/Teddy Bear’ mash up, ‘That’s All Right’ and ‘Blue Suede Shoes’. 

The new maturer male asset who joined the SMTC fold last year, Craig Douglas, put his stamp on the loveable father of Natalie, in the role of Jim. His silky voice added greatly to the company’s male strength and was comically prepared  to pour himself into a more than skinny pair of jeans to be part of the young crowd. His duet with Chad, ‘Don’t be Cruel’, and trio including Sandra, ‘The Power of My Love’, proved that he’s one to keep hold of.

The apparently ‘strong’ character, widowed ‘Sylvia’, couldn't have been in better hands than that of Amanda Blacklock. She totally captured the nuances of a woman who never expected to find love again, until her ‘friend’ Jim started to make moves towards another woman. In her bid to save him and win him for herself, she beautifully and passionately proves her worth, in an emotional rendition of, ‘There’s Always Me’. Superb!  

The sexy, Marilyn Monroe-like siren, Miss Sandra, was superbly played by Ellen McFadzen. A woman desperate to be woo’d by cultured sonnets, mistakenly falls for Ed in the museum garden, imploring (the disguised Natalie) to ‘Let Yourself Go’. Clever use of moving garden statues set the scene for this fabulous number. Including Chad and Jim, she also highlighted her star status in ‘The Power of My Love’.      

The newest youth of the company, Sam Johnston, was perfectly cast as Dean. Energetic and animated would describe this young man, whose excellent vocal range proved really valuable. His romantic partnership to the character Lorraine was also perfect and he hit the high notes with an excellent ‘It’s Now Or Never’. He also played his part in the fabulous numbers, ‘All Shook Up’ and ‘If I Can Dream’.

Lorraine, the romantic female youth role was excellently played by Rebecca Fernie.  She and Dean were comfortably on top form throughout the show. Never deterred by the domineering mother of Dean to put her down, she showed true class in the Yellow Bus Stop scene and proved that The Tunnel of Love was the right place to be to make her dreams of true love come to fruition.

Although the end of Act 1 played out like a finale showstopper, the enthusiastic audience were in full anticipation of an even more exciting Act 2.

Mayor Matilda, the overbearing mother of Dean, was superbly characterised by Amy Darrie. Having previously shown her star status in the Kelso society over the years, their loss is certainly Selkirk’s gain. A massively versatile and talented young lady, who gets her big chance to shine and shock as she lets her hair down in ‘Devil in Disguise’.  

The steady, easy going role of Sheriff Earl was in great hands. Raymond D’Agrosa, a true company stalwart, held his own in face of all the shenanigans that ‘All Shook Up’ threw at him, including Mayor Matilda. 

With the sound of ‘Burning Love’ and ‘C’Mon Everybody’  ringing in our ears, their  standing ovation was as well deserved as their hot review. Well Done and Thank You All for an excellent night’s entertainment.    

 

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