All Shook Up

A juke box musical, set in small town America in the mid-fifties and featuring the music of Elvis Presley.  What a great way to start the weekend.  Centre Stage had brought together a large cast of energetic young performers who sang, danced and acted their way through this fast paced production, starting with a rousing rendition of “Jailhouse Rock”.  Choreography was kept to a level all could achieve.  I only spotted a very occasional waver! The principals tackled their solos well and singing overall was good. The sound though was very loud, verging on some distortion at times, which was a shame. This of course is not the fault of those on stage but rather a tech matter.

I have seen many of these young people in previous productions and it’s lovely to see how they are maturing into confident performers.  Oliver Reid was well cast as Chad.  He has a strong singing voice and his solos were very well sung. Charlie Jones gave a good characterisation of the awkward, geeky Dennis and a good mature performance by Emily Bonfield as bar owner Sylvia. Her solo “There’s Always Me” was beautifully sung.  The part of Miss Sandra is better suited to a more experienced young actor and Joni Andre was able to bring out the sophistication required of the role, so well done to her. 

Lotti-Mai Parker was garage mechanic Natalie and what a performance she gave!  I understand this young lady is only just in her teens and yet she showed a stage presence beyond her years, bringing out the character’s feminine side by reluctantly swapping her dungarees for a dress, before disguising herself as Ed. All to gain the attention of Chad. Very well played.

Well done to Isaac Ives as Natalie’s dad Jim and to Chloe-Anne Martin as Sylvia’s daughter Lorraine.  Max Standeven was Dean, a reluctant student at a military boarding school. He played the part well, but his oversized uniform did make him look rather comical, which I thought was a shame. Mary Murray nicely captured the uptight Mayor Matilda, while Holly Eden was Sheriff Earl and Matilda’s lap dog, until taking the courage to tell her how he really felt. Nicely played.

The main characters were well supported by a strong ensemble and I was aware of some beautiful harmonies, including  the emotionally charged company number “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” which closed the first half. The band, under the direction of Catherine Dennison, provided excellent accompaniment

The adaptable set had been well thought out, allowing plenty of room for the large chorus without looking over crowded.  Costumes were good and of the period. I felt for poor Isaac though trying his best to move around in dungarees which were obviously too short for him. Stiffened underskirts were certainly a thing in the 50’s but not necessarily for everyday wear and I doubt Mayor Matilda would have approved! However, this is theatre and I thought they were a lovely enhancement.

The show was well directed and it was good to be able to have a few words with director Megan Mayes and members of the creative team during the interval.

Thank you for inviting me to review this lovely production and for your hospitality.   My colleague and I had a very enjoyable evening.

 

                                                         

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