Interview: Austin Wicke of ALL SHOOK UP at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre

If you’re looking for a fun evening that will make you want to sing along and dance in the aisles, check out Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre’s production of All Shook Up! The storyline of this jukebox musical by Joe DiPietro is inspired by Shakespeare’s comedies, but it takes place in the Midwest in 1955 where the residents experience an awakening, the catalyst of which is music—specifically, the music of Elvis Presley. All Shook Up premiered on Broadway in 2005 and will take the stage at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre May 22-June 20. Actor Austin Wicke takes on the role of Chad in this production.

BWW: Tell us a little about yourself.

Wicke: Hello! My name’s Austin Wicke and I’m playing Chad in All Shook Up here at Dutch Apple. I was born and raised in Iowa City, Iowa. Go Hawks! I first fell in love with musical theatre back in high school and now that love has led me to New York City where I’m currently based.

BWW: What do you enjoy most about being on stage?

Wicke: My favorite thing about being on stage is the permission to notice life and allow it to affect me. I believe there is a desire in everyone to see everything and express themselves more boldly and honestly, and theatre allows me, as an actor and as an audience member, to let that side of me show without judgement. Put simply, theatre asks for that and celebrates that.

BWW: How would you describe this musical to someone who’s never heard of it before?

Wicke: All Shook Up is an Elvis jukebox musical based on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and set in 1950s Midwest USA! It’s extremely goofy and lighthearted, yet touches on deeper social themes that we see still today. It explores the emotions behind those experiences. It’s a blast for Elvis and musical theatre comedy fans!

BWW: Tell us a little about your character. Are there any specific aspects of your character that you particularly relate to?

Wicke: Chad is a motorcycle-riding roustabout who goes from town to town spreading love and inspiring broken down, unsatisfied people, reminding them to live life to the fullest. While on his way to the town where the show takes place, his bike begins making a weird jiggly wiggly sound. He takes full advantage of his time in the town, making friends and showing everyone what life can really be about. I would say I definitely relate to Chad’s carefree enthusiasm. In my best moments I love to feel carefree, happy, and extremely enthusiastic, always looking to squeeze fun out of every moment.

BWW: Describe for us what it’s like to perform in a show with such recognizable music.

Wicke: It’s a blast. The blues songs that Elvis sang have such amazing layers beneath the lyrics that the music incorporates beautifully. I feel there’s always something new to find in the music, and there’s a reason these songs are so popular currently. It’s also heartwarming hearing people sing along in the audience.

BWW: I understand you just completed a run of All Shook Up at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Florida. Tell us a little about the process of taking a show from one theatre to another.

Wicke: It’s definitely a unique experience for me. What’s funny about theatre as an actor is how much energy the backstage holds for you. In my experience, I associate a lot of feelings with the space I’m in. I was on a tour last year and, while we constantly changed theatres, eventually I got used to holding the energy of the show in itself, even with the changing space. With this show, because our run was more than a month at Broadway Palm, I got used to that space and how I go about the show with that space. Being in a new space so far feels like a beautiful refresh on and off the stage!

BWW: What is your favorite thing about this show and why?

Wicke: I think my favorite thing about this show is how goofy it is. This script excels with a cast that’s open to exploring new things night to night, and this cast is perfect in that way. I feel like there’s enough trust there with everyone on stage for me to simply walk out on stage and whatever happens, happens. The show is also directed with enough freedom for us to all find new moments and bits we discover during our performances with audiences. It’s a really special show and because of the way it’s written—there’s space in the script that allows for a natural growth as we get to know the show more.

BWW: Are you a fan of Elvis’s music? If so, were you a fan before this show, or did this show help you to become a fan?

Wicke: I am a fan! I’ve been a fan of his most popular songs like “Hound Dog” and “Jail House Rock” since I was a kid. This show exposed me to a lot more of the catalog. For example, I definitely wasn’t familiar with “If I Can Dream”. That song, along with this show, has opened me up to a lot more of the songs and sound of Elvis.

BWW: What song do you think the audience will enjoy the most and why?

Wicke: “Heart Break Hotel” is a personal favorite of mine, from the single Elvis sang to the amazing arrangement in this show. We have incredible vocalists who sing that song DOWN!! It’s the second song in the show, so it sets the bar high for the audience. In Florida I would often hear people singing along to “Can’t Help Falling In Love”, which always put a smile on my face. Other than those, I would say “That’s Alright” is another stand-out number that’s got great vocals and fun, upbeat choreography that’ll have people tapping their feet.

BWW: What do you hope audiences will remember most when they leave the theatre?

Wicke: This show, at its core, really speaks to living life to the fullest and loving people for who they are. These songs have such personal expression, and I hope people take the feeling they get from hearing the songs and let that bring some inspiration and love for their own lives!

BWW: Now, a fun question: what Elvis song best describes your life right now and why (it doesn’t have to be one of the songs that’s in the show)?

Wicke: “All Shook Up”! To me this song is about the jumble of emotions that come with love, and I believe that applies to love and passion for anything—performing, people, and self-discovery. I feel I’ve discovered a lot about myself in the past year, and right before going down to Florida I had my own personal renaissance. That song really encapsulates how I’ve been feeling lately.

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