Its Now or Never…

As a 19 year old whose Ipod library does not include any Elvis songs, I wasn’t sure how I was going to like a show featuring his music.  I was familiar with the title song, All Shook Up, but beyond that it was uncharted territory for me. Considering my very limited knowledge of Elvis music,    I was surprised as I was brought into the world of the small town in the summer of 1955 and taken under the charm of the rich soul and captivating characters of All Shook Up.

The story rolls out as the motorcycle riding, blue suede shoes wearing, hips rolling roustabout slides into the small, conservative town. Chad, wonderfully played by Keith Reilly, rocks the town’s citizens into full-fledged love tortured, music loving, and risk-taking rebels too!

As each song begins, I can feel the energy from the cast feed the audience with the fun, toe-tapping melodies.  Even with the house dark, I could almost feel the smiles of the people around me as we were treated to such great numbers as Heartbreak Hotel, It Hurts Me, A Little less Conversation, and Hound Dog/Teddy Bear, and first act closing song  Can’t Help Falling in Love.  The second act continues with a mixture of upbeat and touching songs and by the end the whole audience is on it’s feet clapping along.

The story is more than just a collection of songs though.  It touches on forbidden relationships, mistaken identities, racial and gender issues all in a fun humorous way.  It digs deep to ask the question: What is your dream? As you see each character face their fears and do what they never thought possible, you are left inspired to go out and do the same.

I encourage people of all ages to not miss this fun musical filled with tons of singing and dancing to lift your spirits.  As I left the theater, people were smiling and humming the tunes.  The show has even inspired me to do what I thought was not possible…..add a few of the King’s hits to my Ipod!

A Little Bit About Andrea:
Andrea has performed on the stage and in the pit of Lyric Arts productions. Just recently, after her first year at college at Drake University, she has decided to get to know the flourishing theater company from behind the scenes as a public relations and marketing intern at Lyric Arts this summer.