All Shook Up

The “juke box musical” All Shook Up is a fabulous musical comedy written by Joe DiPietro loosely based on Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” and using songs by Elvis Presley to tell the story of five couples varying in age sharing their love and heartache, and eventually finding true love and living happily ever after.  

It was full of energy, with the TADAMS cast loving every minute and giving it their all.  

Craig Nicoll took on the lead role as a confident Chad the 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!

Rennie Adam gave a natural and polished performance as bike mechanic and love-struck Natalie in both her female and male (Ed) guises, delivering her numbers with perfect ease.

There were many great characterisations in the principal cast, notably Kyle Anderson as the geeky Dennis, Claire Robertson as Sylvia, Andrea Jones as the glamorous Miss Sandra and Ruth McKay as the strict Mayor Mathilda who used great comic timing and facial expression throughout.

Lorraine and Dean (Zoe and Matthew Bird) were an appealing duo, Adrian Lonsdale was effective as Jim Haller and the man of few words Sheriff Earl was played by David Robertson completing the principal roles.

There was some very strong vocals from both chorus and principals notably “Can’t Help falling In Love“ ending Act 1, however I found many of the musical numbers were performed to the audience rather than acted through which detracted somewhat from the story, and can be one of the challenges of a 'jukebox musical'.

The costumes hair and make up were excellent and in keeping with the 1950’s and the set was simple and effective. Complimented by the lighting and nice pieces of choreography, the energy throughout was to be commended and the audience appeared to have a great time.

Well Done. 

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