Three years after its Broadway debut, the lively musical comedy “All Shook Up” has found a perfect Chicagoland setting at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire. This fast-paced show is a real crowd-pleaser, with frequent moments of mistaken identity, gender confusion and unexpected love triangles. One of the delights of this jukebox musical is seeing where the classic Elvis hits will pop up next in the story. As each familiar song comes to life, there are chuckles of recognition from the audience.In order for this show to work, the Elvis Presley-inspired character of Chad must be so dazzling that all the folks in town are entranced from the moment that he appears. Broadway veteran Tyler Hanes fits the bill here, as the strikingly-sexy hero that throws the townspeople into a tizzy. Tyler’s singing and dancing are superb, with abundant charisma and charm. His funniest moments are when he comes to the shocking realization that he has warm feelings for his best “buddy.”
The only character in the show who doesn’t fall for the handsome Chad is Miss Sandra, the museum curator, fetchingly played by the statuesque Christine Sherrill. Not only is Chad is enamored by Miss Sandra, but middle-aged Jim Haller (Ross Lehman) is reduced to a tongue-tied fool whenever she enters the room. Lehman is hilarious when he tries to emulate Chad and dress as a young biker during his fruitless pursuit of Miss Sandra.Jim doesn’t realize that his real love interest should be his faithful friend Sylvia, played by the amazing Melody Betts, who wows the audience with her vocal talents and heartfelt portrayal. Likewise, Jim’s daughter Natalie (Jesse Mueller) is unaware of the affection of her lovably nerdie friend Dennis (Dennis Moench). It turns out that each of main characters are pursuing someone who doesn’t appreciate them, in a complex plot loosely based on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. All of these amorous affairs occur under the disapproving eye of Mayor Matilda, played by Marriot Theatre favorite Paula Scrofano. Even the strict Mayor’s son carries on a forbidden romance with Sylvia’s daughter (Chasten Harmon.)
Overseeing the fun is director/choreographer Marc Robin, with a book by Joe DiPietro, who wrote I Love You You’re Perfect, Now Change and other such comedies. As always, the production values at the Marriott Theatre are top-notch, with effective use of lighting to isolate the leads for their special moments. The energetic and talented chorus members present some terrific dance numbers, capped off by their sizzling rendition of Jailhouse Rock.With such a strong cast, fun songs and hugely entertaining comedy, you will sense the same type of audience delight experienced with shows like Mamma Mia or Grease. Playing through December 7th, All Shook Up is definitely worth the drive to Lincolnshire for over 2 hours of rockin’ song and dance and tender humor.
