ALL SHOOK UP - 1st Preview Review

Okay, a really quick review because I’m tired tonight.

To sum it up for you guys - I loved it. Plain and simple, this really is a great show. I ran into some friends on the street before hand and was even telling them how I was skeptical of it and wasn’t really in the mood to see another jukebox show after seeing GOOD VIBRATIONS last night (more on that at a later date) so when the lights came down and they started singing I was very pleasantly surprised that I had a huge smile on my face and my feet immediately started a tappin’.

Cheyenne Jackson is one of the main reasons this show works so well. He exudes coolness and that same kind of sexuality that had the girls swooning for Elvis. He has “it”. You just can’t take your eyes off of him when he’s on the stage and, thank God, he’s hardly ever off the stage.
Jenn Gambatese and the rest of the cast are perfect as well, especially Leah Hocking as Miss Sandra. I wouldn’t be surprised to see her get a Tony nomination this year for her role.

Ken Roberson’s choreography was also a highlight of the show. From the opening “Love me Tender” to the brilliant “Jailhouse Rock” and right on through to the finale “Burning Love” this cast danced their asses (and their pelvises) off.

This really was a GOOD show, unlike GOOD VIBRATIONS and even MAMMA MIA. In my opinion it accomplished everything those did not. This one's gonna be around for a while.

And now I must get to bed. Seeing Cheyenne that close made me weak.

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Updated On: 2/20/05 at 11:33 PM

YAY! Cheyenne!! And hte rest of the show. This is getting me so excited to see it next month!

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That's very refreshing to hear that, I'm seeing it on Thursday. I'm shocked to see that it was you that wrote this review - rarely do you exude any sort of emotion on this board. It must be pretty good!

That wasn't meant as an insult or anything. btw.

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I'm against jukebox musicals, also. But this is the exception. You have to see it to know what I mean but BELIEVE ME this is a FUN and a GOOD show.

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I'm going to have to, because I love Cheyenne. I'll pack my tissues.

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Matt - any comments about the book? Story? Direction?

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Damn it Matt, I saw Good Vibrations last night too. I wish I would have seen you.

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Actually, I was doing the same thing. And I was standing as well.

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Happy to hear that it was great. I'm hopefully going to see the matinee on Wednesday since I have no classes. Glad to hear that you had a great time.

hehhe you made my day matt! I'm so glad you liked it.

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It was awesome, Jenn, Cheyenne and the whole ensemble were wonderful! And Leah Hocking... def. stole the show, sooo perfect for the role.

Overall, gotta agree with Matt. Cheyenne is just amazing for the part... and in general, just a very very well done show

Updated On: 2/21/05 at 12:28 AM

OK, literally JUST walked in the door.

I'm happy to report this is DEFINITELY the exception to the jukebox musicals.

So, I ended up being so desperate to see a show that I actually caught the matinee of Good Vibrations. I know...but I was REALLY desperate to see SOMETHING. I'm kind of glad I went though because it makes it really easy to see why ASU works and why GV doesn't. I think the easiest way to explain it is to just tell you to watch the Broadway.com in rehearsal video and listen to the interviews, because the cast is actually telling the truth.

First of all, ASU actually has a book...a FUNNY book. Things happen in the show, and they're really funny. And the songs actually work...and they sound AMAZING. "I Can't Help Falling in Love" sounds SO good, it's insane. Nice job, Stephen O.

The sets and the lighting are REALLY great.

The show moves SO quickly, it doesn't drag for a second. It also starts out REALLY strong and fun and it doesn't really let up from there. "Heartbreak Hotel" is SO good.

Cheyenne really was perfect for the role, so thank you, Jarrod for not working out. The entire cast was just SO good. Everybody was so perfect.

Seriously, go see this show. It is NOTHING like the other jukebox musicals...this show really holds its own...and it's seriously SO funny. I really think everyone's going to be really surprised by this show. I mean, there weren't any beach balls thrown into the audience and there was no random blonde girl whose only role in the show was to dance around in a bikini...but ASU is still pretty good. And $19.55 for the balcony?? I know it's the Palace, but I really didn't hate them that much.

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I was also at All Shook Up tonight and I thought it was great!!! I was a little wary at first about the whole jukebox musical thing, but there was an actual legitimate storyline, the perfomers were great, and the songs really fit in well with the action. I recommend it!!

And after seeing the matinee of Good Vibrations today, All Shook Up is an absolute masterpiece that should be given every award in the history of Broadway. Oh God, was Good Vibrations bad.

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