”
All Shook Up
”
careened into San Jose like a sharp shooter’s bullet. It hit
with deadly aim and for some it churned up nostalgia from another
era. For others the music they have heard before but never really
understood what all the fuss was about found new meaning. The story
wove Presley hits into a delightful comic book jukebox musical, but
wait
– there is a tinge of the Bard and omygosh Mama Mia.
“All Shook Up” careened into San Jose like a sharp shooter’s bullet. It hit with deadly aim and for some it churned up nostalgia from another era. For others the music they have heard before but never really understood what all the fuss was about found new meaning. The story wove Presley hits into a delightful comic book jukebox musical, but wait – there is a tinge of the Bard and omygosh Mama Mia.
It worked sensationally for Abba’s music why not Presley? As with Mama Mia, a fast moving fun story was built around the Presley songs. The plot led to Presley songs that fit the moment.
Boy meets girl, boy losses girl, boy and everyone else gets their girls while gyrating Presley songs. This show is just plain well-done fun with a talented, energetic cast that moves the well-directed production at a breath- taking roller-coaster pace.
Joe (I Love You Your Perfect Now Change) DiPietro wrote “All Shook Up” with tongue in both cheeks and did not even try to be subtle with each plot line that lead up to one of Elvis’s songs which made it more hilarious. But here’s the catch, the songs fit the moment so well the audience doesn’t mind. But wait a minute, if you really pay attention you will notice that this is a loose take off of the Bard’s “Twelfth Night” in the 21st century. All the convoluted mixed up characters somehow end up with who they are suppose to be with and supposedly live happily ever after. Shakespeare and Elvis must be grinning ear to ear wherever they are.
Tony Award winning director Christopher Ashley (“Xanadu” and “The Rocky Horror Show”) moves this cast with the speed of a cyclone about to hit and he succeeds in getting sharp clean performances at that pace.
Bay area native Joe Mandragona is unstinting of his energy playing the drifter Chad who rolls into the sleepy town with his guitar and motorcycle and wakes up the stuck-in-the-rut inhabitants with his philosophy of life.
Former 1970 Miss California Susan Anton plays the sultry Miss Sandra and looks and sounds fabulous.
Jenny Fullner moved from the Broadway production of “Mama Mia” to play smitten tomboy Natalie and delivers a solid performance.
Jannie Joans as Sylvia and Tracee Beazer as her daughter Loraine belt the Presley songs with solid, strong pipes that almost vibrates the ceiling off the theater.
Wally Dunn (Jim Haller) and John Jellison (Sheriff Earl) bring a delightful presence to the senior characters of the production. They are Broadway pros and it’s a pleasure to watch them show what experienced actors can do with interesting roles.
David Rockwell’s clever sets and Donald Holder’s lighting pull the show together with interesting just right special effects.
Presley’s, “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Burning Love,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Hound Dog,” “It’s Now or Never,” “A little Less Conversation,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” and of course “Blue Suede Shoes,” are just a few of the Presley songs that are presented in this ragout of well-done fun and good humor.
For and evening of Joviality 101 “All Shook Up ” is for you.
