#1
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!
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!
