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All Shook Up
Inspired by and featuring
the songs of Elvis Presley
Book by Joe DiPietro
Directed & choreographed by Marc Robin
At Marriott Theatre
10 Marriott Drive
Chicago, IL
Call 847-634-0200, www.marriotttheatre.com
Wednesdays at 1 & 8 pm
Thursdays & Fridays at 8 pm
Saturdays at 2:30 & 8 pm
Sundays at 1 & 5 pm
Running time is 2 hours 15 minutes with intermission
Through December 7, 2008
Super sweet rock ‘n roll musical will leave you smiling
Marc Robin is a master director and choreographer who performs magic staging with musicals. With “All Shook Up,” Robins has mounted a sweet, light-hearted jukebox musical featuring the songs of Elvis Presley. This fun show has hints of “Grease” and follows a modern rock version of The Bard’s romantic comedy “Twelfth Night.” This cute show has an infectious energy that combines rock ‘n roll music, spirited and sexy dances with large doses of tender humor. This is pure escapist entertainment with terrific production values.
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Led by the sexy, Elvis-type Chad (Tyler Hanes in a slick charismatic turn) who arrives in a small Midwestern town to get its residences to loosen up and enjoy life. Chad helps an entire town find love and rock ‘n roll. He dances with riveting pelvis movement, has slicked-down hair, and he wears very tight black jeans. He is a roustabout motorcycle rider who channels sexuality. Natalie ( the marvelous Jesse Mueller) is a tom-girl mechanic who instantly falls for Chad. With the Elvis songbook featuring “Jailhouse Rock,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Love Me Tender,” “Heartbreak Hotel, “ “A Little Less Conversation” and “Hound Dog,” “All Shook Up” unfolds as an exhilarating song & dance event. The storyline is predictable but so what—it is a delight nostalgic trip into Elvis’ songbook.
Joe DiPietro’s slim book is a framework for Marc Robin’s clever staging. His ensemble dances up a storm as Tyler Hanes and Jesse Mueller lead a strong cast that features terrific comic work from Ross Lehman as Natalie’s father. Dennis Moench, as Dennis, the nerd; Matt Raftery, as Dean Hyde together with Paula Scrofano and Don Forston each offer funny moments. Melody A. Betts, as Sylvia, belts her songs deftly while Chasten Harmon, as Lorriane and Christine Sherrill, as Miss Sandra, land their songs effectively Sherrill is so sexy.
“All Shook Up” is no-brainer musical short on story but long on fun, toe-tapping classic rock tunes. It is pure fluff that will leave you smiling with satisfaction. It has heart and it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Robin’s production is slick, good looking and well danced. In these troubled times, a night of pure fun, feel-good show will help recharge out batteries. See this show and have fun. I liked the “Can’t Help Falling in Love” song that typifies this show.
Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: October 1, 2008
Jeff Recommended
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