"All Shook Up" Tour review 10/22

[sidneybruhl]

Posted: 10/24/06 at 8:38pm

Stir in equal parts "Footloose," and "Hairspray," add a dash of "Bye, Bye Birdie" and a sprinkling of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "Twelfth Night" and you've got "All Shook Up." I have to admit I entered the theatre with low expectations and exited thinking "Why did this show flop on Broadway?"

The touring production of the show is outstanding. This cast has to be one of the hardest working touring casts on the road. They had a boundless energy that was infectious. Every performance right down to the ensemble was excellent!

Highlights of the show included Joe Mandragona as Chad leading the ensemble in the opening number "Jailhouse Rock." He captures the spirit of Elvis without imitating him. Natasha Yvette Williams as Sylvia steals every scene she is in. Her second act number "There's Always Me" brought down the house. She was also superb fighting with her daughter Lorraine (played by Valisia Lekae Little) in "That's All Right."

Susan Anton as Miss Sandra was perfectly cast and she belted the hell out of her big number in the first act, "Let Yourself Go."

Jenny Fellner as Natalie, the tomboy who falls for Chad, was endearing. Her rendition of "A Little Less Conversation" rocked the house. Kudos also go to Wally Dunn as Jim Haller (Natlie's Dad) and Beth Glover as Mayor Matilda Hyde.

If this tour stops in your town, SEE IT!

Posted: 10/24/06 at 8:42pm

Yay!
I heart ASU

"Why did this show flop on Broadway?"

Thats my question.
I adored it.

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 10/24/06 at 11:48pm

Glad you liked Susan Anton as Miss Sandra. I thought she was a bit miscast.

I didn't like the changes to the show...I enjoyed it so much better on Broadway. However I can agree that the cast did have a ton of energy and is a hardworking one!

[SakeDad]

Posted: 10/25/06 at 1:14am

Sidney,
So glad you enjoyed it! Louisville audience response was incredible! Opening night tonight in Orlando had a few MINOR technical hiccups but the audience responded fabulously! Now a day of sun by the pool or fun at the "happiest place on earth" is in order! WOO HOO!

Posted: 10/25/06 at 10:37am

Can't wait to see this next year when it hits Michigan... just wondering, are they selling merchandise?

Posted: 10/25/06 at 1:03pm

"are they selling merchandise? "

Good question.
I need a new ROUSTABOUT t-shirt.
Although my old one is amazingly awesome.
Cheyenne and I in our ROUSTABOUT shirts = love.