BWW Preview: ALL SHOOK UP at Proctors Theatre

Broadway meets Elvis in the 2004 jukebox musical All Shook Up, playing this Friday and Saturday at Proctors Theatre in Schenectady. Featuring some of the king's hit songs, including "Heartbreak Hotel" and "Burning Love," the show is presented by a group of teens ages 18 and under through the theatre's annual Broadway Camp.

Unlike in years past, this summer's Broadway Camp ran for four weeks, culminating in a full scale mainstage production. Those involved rehearsed for six hours five days a week to put on the show, directed by Steven Yuhasz. "I wanted a show that had a fun story, wasn't too difficult to cast, and that gave everyone a lot of stage time," he tells us. "'All Shook Up' has all of that."

Yuhasz has appeared on Broadway in both "Zorba" and "Peter Pan," also working as a director, producer, and writer. By his side is choreographer Freddy Ramirez who appeared in the most recent Broadway revival of "Grease." The two have made it a goal to provide these kids with an extremely professional work environment, setting them up for a future in the theatre. "I'm treating them no different than I would with a professional company," he says. "I think there is nothing like this in the region. These kids are so committed to putting on a fantastic production, and they are embracing everything they learn."

"All Shook Up" tells the story of Natalie, a female mechanic who longs to discover her purpose in life, yet feels tied down because of her roots. That's when Chad comes to town, a guitar-playing, leather-jacketed roustabout who stirs things up and gives Natalie the motivation she needs to follow her dreams. Chaos ensues, however, as love triangles form and Natalie takes drastic measures to get Chad to fall in love with her. The musical is a 1950s telling of Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night."

For more information, visit www.proctors.org