Big Noise Theatre Company Presents ALL SHOOK UP, Opening 4/23

Big Noise Theatre Company presents All Shook Up April 23 through May 16 Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. at The Prairie Lakes Theater 515 E. Thacker Street, Des Plaines.

Set in "a square town, in a square state, in a square decade", All Shook Up tells the story of an Elvis-like drifter who brings rock n' roll and a whole lot of lovin' to small-town USA in 1955. Inspired by Shakespeare's Twelfth Night with Romeo and Juliet thrown in, the fun-filled production brings back a time when hip swiveling was shocking and raw emotion repressed. But then, throw in Elvis Presley and everything changes! Music, dancing, falling in love, comedy and joy ensue.

Director Nancy Flaster has a special affection for music of the Fifties and Sixties. "It has endured for a reason. It's just great. Plus, you can dance to it! It's music that defined a time period and continues to survive today," Flaster says. Flaster, re-teamed with Choreographer Ann Fink and Music Director Joe Rosenmayer who brought to life the swinging ‘60s with Beehive, the Musical two seasons ago, hopes to bring audiences the fun, feel and joy of the "King" and the Fabulous Fifties!

Despite having roots in popular vein, the music of the show is surprisingly challenging, with arrangements in the style of the television show Glee. Robert Deason, who plays the Elvis-inspired character Chad, is an accomplished performer/ musician who has appeared with Theater at the Center, and Noble Fool among others, and currently hosts evenings at dueling piano lounge Fitz' Spare Keys. Further, he is learning to play guitar for the show. Deason says, "It's a challenge, but I want to be authentic as possible." Flaster adds, "With music this popular, you want it sung right. The ensemble produces a cascade of sound complementing the new arrangements of songs most people already know and love."

Big Noise Theatre Company's productions continue to be known for bringing Downtown quality to the suburbs at reasonable rates! Big Noise strives to produce high-quality shows that stretch the creative talents of their actors and staff as well as surpass the expectations of their audience and All Shook Up is sure to fit the bill!

Starring Robert Deason ( Chicago) , Emilie Lynn ( Gurnee) , Cory Stonebrook ( Chicago) , Pascale M Trouillot ( Bolingbrook) , Paige Ehlman ( Mt. Prospect) , David Whitlock ( Northbrook) , Angela Johnson (Chicago), Mark Kosten ( Franklin Park) , Joe Schmitt (Glenview) , and Sarah Jane Blevins ( Streamwood) , All Shook Up will leave you humming with such memorable hits as Heartbreak Hotel, Jailhouse Rock, Love Me Tender, Blue Suede Shoes, Don't Be Cruel, It's Now or Never, and many more.

Tickets for All Shook Up are $20 for Adults, $18 for Seniors and $12 for Kids 13 and under and can be purchased by going to www.bignoisetheatre.org or by calling 847-604-0275.

For more information, visit www.bignoisetheatre.org.

 

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