I went and saw All Shook Up last Friday at Draper Historic Theater, directed by friend of the show Jake Andersen and put on by his production company, Titus Productions. It was opening night, so we were expecting a packed house and an energetic show; and we weren’t disappointed.
For those of you who aren’t familiar with the musical, All Shook Up is a delightful romp that takes place during the 1950’s in a small, tied-down village in the American Midwest. The residents of said “podunkerton” live their lives in solitude and melancholy under the quasi-tyrannical laws instituted by their mayor. Until one day when a recently-released biker jailbird named Chad rolls into town and starts shaking things up. Then it’s love and music and dancing and happiness all around.
The play is inspired by William Shakespeare’s work Twelfth Night. For the musical numbers, each song is taken straight out of Elvis Presley’s discography, similar in concept to Mamma Mia’s use of ABBA or Movin’ Out’s implementation of Billy Joel. The classic love triangle formula, combined with Presley’s blues and rock, make for an entertaining and exciting story.
This would not be nearly as successful without the well-performed roles carried out by the cast. Brett Andersen as Chad displayed a mixture of energy and boyish naivety, while Amanda Wright, who played opposite him as Natalie, was excellent as a small-town girl wanting to fall in love. Their chemistry was evident, while simultaneously remaining subtle as dictated by the plot.
The other leads shone as well. Josh Anderson and Tanya Rasmussen play Jim and Sylvia, long-time friends who stick by each other regardless of their flaws and shortcomings. Their story brought warmth and heart to the show, largely in part to Anderson and Rasmussen’s performances. They were able to convey the longing and yearning in both characters without overacting, and in the succeeding in making them human.
I loved the bubbly teenager Lorraine, played by Devin Johnson. She becomes enamored by the rich son of the mayor, Dean, played by Garrett Brand, and their relationship breaks the classism stigmas placed on the community by the mayor. Johnson and Brand are an adorable couple, and their youthful enthusiasm provides an interesting contrast to the more adult and mature roles played by the other leads.
Rachael Rasmussen was a brilliant addition as Miss Sandra, the foil to seemingly every male lead in the show (and one female lead). Rasmussen charmingly played an intellectual and a romantic, all wrapped up into a character with drive that gets what she wants. Some of my heartiest laughs were due to the result of Rasmussen’s professional performance.
I was also impressed by the villains of the show, Denise Adams as Mayor Matilda and Dan Martinez as Sheriff Earl, her outwardly dopey lackey. Their Southern accents and differing personalities brought their partnership to life, while also effectively causing the audience to hope that they would be stopped.
My personal favorite, however, was the stand-out performance by Noah Martinez, who played Dennis, the nerdy sidekick who always gives up what he really wants in order to please those he loves. Martinez enacted perfect timing, and played the role to a T without seeming overly cliché or stereotypical.
Performances aside, the show had finely-tuned and creatively orchestrated choreography, which kept the movement and vibrancy of the show flowing. And while Draper Historic Theatre may not be the best equipped venue to project sound, the cast didn’t even need it as they brought conviction and power to their singing.
Overall the show was one of the best community theater productions I have seen all year, with intelligent directing and great performances from leads and ensemble alike, all combined with engaging dance numbers and explosive vocals. I have always been a fan of Titus Productions and their plays, and All Shook Up once again exceeded my expectations.
Make sure to catch it before it’s over. Closing night is tomorrow, with another performance still this evening and a matinee on Saturday. This is definitely one you shouldn’t miss.
Check out their Facebook page for all the info:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=158787664176831
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