ALL SHOOK UP Review

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 3/20/05 at 2:11pm

ALL SHOOK UP Review

The musical that is now playing daily at the Palace Theatre was in 1961 called “Bye Bye Birdie,” in 1999 called “Footloose,” and today in 2005 referred to as “All Shook Up.” Since the first two attempts were less than enthusiastic, one would hope by the third time out the formula would be just right. Sorry to say that third time is most certainly not the charm it should have been and relies entirely too much on it’s earlier misconceptions of musical theatre. That is not to say this version of “bad boy full of music and soul comes to a disapproving town” is without its pluses, if far and few between. The problem with “All Shook Up” is that while most of the successful musicals this season offer a fluently articulate book, dazzling choreography, and a sublime cast; “All Shook Up” offers the aforementioned as weakly as possible. This is a show that will undoubtedly have a long shelf life in high schools across the country, but at its core is only a middling romp of Broadway mediocrity.

At the heart of a new Broadway musical must first and foremost be its music and “All Shook Up” certainly has that. With tunes from Elvis Presley’s vast repertoire the arrangements and orchestrations of the beloved tunes are indeed the highlight of the evening. Michael Gibson and Stephen Oremus must be commended for making the standards sing so nicely. Unfortunately, because the tunes were so beautifully arranged, annoying audience members feel the need to sing along. The most irritating problem with jukebox musicals like “Mama Mia,” and “Good Vibrations;” and “Spamalot” but instead with the humor.

If only the humor in Joe DiPietro’s modest book could be so ingenious. In what was an obvious flaw of musical theatre 101, the lyrics were the inspiration for the story instead of the other way around. Example: Dialogue – “Oh Chad, I’m such a Fool to love you;” Song – “Fools Fall in Love!” And after two hours straight that staple is as rotten as the leftovers you forgot to refrigerate from the dinner at Angus the night before.

One would have hoped that the acting could have attempted to lesson the load of such a dreadful book, and to some extent it does. Standouts include Nikki M. James and Leah Hocking whose previous Broadway credits respectfully include “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Wild Party.” Sharon Wilkins who is most fondly remembered as the Sour Kangaroo from “Seussical” brings down the house with her talent here. And Cheyenne Jackson is not only a prominent player, but every bit the hunk of burning love he portrays. While their acting is indeed solid, it is the powerful voices behind this venture that make one sit up and take notice. “All Shook Up” is at its best when the entire ensemble gives their all to the previously mentioned beautiful orchestrations. The sour note that is hit within the cast is that of leading lady Jenn Gambatese. She ensues neither the vocal talent, stage presence, nor star quality of her fellow cast members. Because of that he featured numbers are huge let downs and total bores.

Much like Gambatese, the creative team gives their best effort, but it just never seems enough. Since flying is all the rage on Broadway these days, I guess the motorcycles hanging from the sky are supposed to be daring, but instead turn out to be a soaring dud. And since the Palace is such a large theatre, one would think Director Christopher Ashley would make sure the crew is well hidden during set changes. Distracting most visibly during the motorcycle sequences, which the first time is forgivable and entertaining; but like everything else with the show - the repetitive quality sours and annoys.

The Palace Theatre has definitely seen much better shows. Much like its previous tenant, “Aida,” which had the stamina to outlast a critical lambasting; “All Shook Up” will probably have the same staying power and tourists will flock to it like white on rice. Luckily, there are ten other new musicals to grace the Broadway stage this season and “All Shook Up” will not hog the attention it doesn’t deserve.

[LaCageAuxFollesFan]

Posted: 3/24/05 at 2:05pm

Did NOBODY else think of this show the way I did? Did everyone really LOVE it as much as it seems on this board? I just WAS NOT IMPRESSED!

[GirlforTartaglia]

Posted: 3/24/05 at 2:09pm

I LOVED it despite the fact it got slow in Act II, but Act I my attention was caught through its entirety.

[popcultureboy]

Posted: 3/24/05 at 2:13pm

I thought it was good but not great. Great great cast but that's it. Nothing else stood out for me.

[baddadnpa]

Posted: 3/24/05 at 2:20pm

Bye Bye Birdie was well received and is well regarded by many.