All Shook Up - 3-2-08

[Eris0303]

Posted: 3/6/08 at 10:16pm

I just flew in from Long Beach last night and I wasn't able to check the board while I was out there so here's my review of the show.

I was in California this past weekend for my birthday and I was able to attend Musical Theatre West's production of All Shook Up. For anyone who doesn't know MTW is the first regional theatre to get the rights to this show. And what a great job they do with it too.

I never had the opportunity to see the show on Broadway but I have heard the OBCR and I knew the basic plot from the liner notes. I can't compare MTW's production with the Broadway production.

The original production and the OBCR open with "Love Me Tender" but when a tour was being put together "Jailhouse Rock was moved from the second act to the opening number and "Love Me Tender" was moved to later in the first act as a "duet" for Natalie and Chad...Chad to Miss Sandra and Natalie to Chad. And MTW follows this format and it works. IMO a show of this nature needs to open with a "bang" as opposed to a "whisper".

The score is one nearly everyone knows. It's all Elvis! The songs fit the Shakespearian plot very well are always a joy to hear. Crossing dressing, mix-up's, and mayhem. Natalie loves Chad, Chad loves Miss Sandra, Dennis loves Natalie, Jim loves Miss Sandra, Miss Sandra loves Ed (Natalie in disguise), Sylvia loves Jim, Lorraine and Dean love each other but he's white and she's black, and Chad loves Ed. Got that?

The cast is exceptionally cast. Every actor plays their role to pure perfection. Bets Malone is an absolute joy as the tomboyish Natalie who falls for the "roustabout". I think we'll be seeing more of her someday. She's a great talent. And Derek Keeling as Chad the roustabout of her dreams. Well, as many of you know, I'm incredibly biased but I truly enjoyed his performance here. I think the only word I can say is "wow". I especially enjoyed his flamboyance at the end of "I Don't Want To". Absolutely hysterical.

Danny Calvert tackles the charming role of Dennis - Natalie's best friend who has a secret crush on her. He is so incredible sweet in the role and you just want to hug him.

Grease's Barry Pearl plays Jim Haller - Natalie's father. A great comic role for him - especially in the "Don't Be Cruel" number where Chad's trying to teach him to be "cool".

Gwen Stewart is especially endearing as Sylvia. Her "There's Always Me" brings a tear to the eye and rips the roof off the theatre.

American Idol grad Sabrina N. Sloan plays Sylvia's daughter with a beautiful innocence and sweetness. Tristan Rumery plays her beau Dean and I think I liked his vocals better than Curtis Holbrook's on the album (and it's hard to not love Curtis).

Cynthia Ferrer, who was most recently seen as Marion Cunningham in Papermill's production of "Happy Days", takes on the role of Mayor Hyde who doesn't like a whole lot of shakin' in her town. She's exquisite and hysterical.

Rounding out the main cast is Tracy Lore as Miss Sandra - the town's museum director with a heart for Shakespeare. Tracy can "vamp" with the best of them and her timing is excellent.

All in all the show was well-crafted and I wish I could have seen it again before I left for home. The show closes this Sunday so if you're in the Long Beach area I high recommend checking it out.

[DrTheatre]

Posted: 3/6/08 at 10:36pm

Awesome I know people in it and I now live in SF, but wont be able to attend it...glad you liked it!

[broadwayfan7]

Posted: 3/6/08 at 11:31pm

Sounds like you had a great time!