By Michelle Fowler
The Empress Theatre in Magna delights their audience with All Shook Up, an Elvis Presley-inspired musical. Joe Dipietro, the playwright, relays several stories based on love and just the right amount of miscommunication to send the characters on hilarious misadventures.
Set in 1955, All Shook Up features a sleepy little town that is interrupted by a guitar-playing, motorcycle-riding roustabout by the name of Chad (Alexander Richardson). Chad has been traveling from town to town, spreading his love for life and music. Chad immediately begins to make waves in town as he belts familiar Presley songs. With a charisma similar to Presley’s, Chad has the women swooning with every glance and every movement he makes. While most of the women find themselves infatuated with Chad, Natalie Haller (Chloe Neafsy) falls harder than the rest. Natalie is a mechanic and first has the opportunity to speak with Chad alone as she tends to his broken-down motorcycle. Despite her awkward attempts to connect with Chad, he doesn’t feel the same romantic spark. Desperate to spend more time with him, Natalie decides to become ‘Ed,’ much to the chagrin of Dennis (Tanner Larsen), who has been secretly in love with her.
Richardson’s portrayal of the effervescent ladies’ man is as smooth as Chad himself. His acting comes off naturally and his singing does justice to the legendary music.
Neafsy has the challenge of playing two differing personas because of this change. She masters the love-struck tomboy and has the audience laughing as Natalie’s voice lowers and she paints on a beard for extra effect. Neafsy is able to capture the right comedic timing for her character and blows the audience away with her strong vocals in songs such as “One Night” and “Love Me Tender.”
Larsen is a talented singer in his own rights. He especially impresses in his solo “It Hurts Me”. Dennis is the quintessential nerd of the town. Larsen plays into the nerdiness of the character without diving into too many stereotypes.
The misadventures are plentiful in All Shook Up as multiple characters fall in love with someone else, but the object of their affection rarely returns that love, as they are focused on their own infatuations. Each of the actors handles their character’s unrequited love skillfully. Richard Mitchell plays Natalie’s father, Jim Haller. Jim happens to fall for the same girl whom Chad is pursuing. While Chad approaches flirting in his own confident, self-assured manner, Jim takes a more reserved approach. Mitchell is on-point with the portrayal of Jim, giving him shy mannerisms that turn into awkward imitations of Chad’s techniques.
Sylvia (Jamie Victor) isn’t as affected by the new-comer. Sylvia is a highly energetic woman who can be a bit stubborn at times. Victor is able to deliver her lines with a level of care that allows for the full meaning to be understood each time, while matching gestures enhance the performance. Victor impresses with her robust vocalizations in her songs, such as “There’s Always Me”.
If any woman can be described as entirely unimpressed by Chad, it’s Miss Sandra (Cassie Hurt-McLarty), the curator for the art museum. Hurt-McLarty has a deeper, more sultry voice that she utilizes during the show to clearly communicate her romantic interest in a particular person. She takes her time when appropriate to convey the full intent of her lines through the inflections that are unique to her.
There is one couple that reciprocates their love for each other fairly quickly. Dean Hyde (Brad McCrindle) is hesitant at first when Lorraine (Andrea Del Mar Santiago) pursues him romantically but they quickly fall in love in rebellion against their respective mothers’ wishes. McCrindle’s characterization for Dean is sweet and caring and Del Mar Santiago puts great effort into her characterization choices. She gives Lorraine a unique voice that allows her to be memorable. She carries the vocal choices from her spoken lines into her songs as well, which is striking.
Mazel Janette Benson shines with her vocals as well. Benson plays the role of Henrietta and has the responsibility of belting powerfully during ensemble songs. She has a fierce, but crooning, voice that adds a fun layer to the music.
Each story needs an antagonist. The villain role in All Shook Up is taken by Mayor Matilda Hyde (Cheryl Cripps). She is the mirror opposite of Chad and considers herself the moral compass of the town. The Mayor is accompanied by the town’s Sheriff, Earl (Aaron Eatchel). Cripps is able to portray the right level of self-righteousness for the audience to root against her and for the protagonists. Eatchel has very few lines and instead has to rely on his physicality to communicate how his character is feeling. This is something at which Eatchel excels.
The main cast is supported by a strong ensemble (Bridges Eatchel, Joshua Lyon, Mikayla Adams, Moriah Fuller Gonzalez, and Joshua Rayburn). This chorus is versatile, requiring the actors to portray characters such as jailbirds and even statues. Each member is energetic, smiling, and a ton of fun to watch. That kind of energy is necessary for a show with a lot of choreography.
Choreographer Judy Cook Binns and Associate Choreographer Adelle Remke give the actors the opportunity to dance and perform to both sides of the stage. They borrow some famous dance moves from the ’50s and Presley to provide dynamic movement during the show. The blocking and acting is directed by Terry McGovern. This is McGovern’s directing premiere at The Empress Theatre. Her directing is successful and results in a truly enjoyable evening for the audience. McGovern is also credited with the set construction and painting. The backdrops that appear along the walls blend in well with the show and it isn’t noticeable when they are being changed between scenes. McGovern rounds out her credits as the Music Director. With all the strong vocalists, McGovern shows her ability to train her actors to impress.
All Shook Up is visually enhanced by the costumes as well. The cast provides their own , which will bring you back to the ’50s. There are bright pops of color that are a treat for the eye. Everything is well-lit. thanks to light board operator Elora McGovern. If you are sensitive to changes in lighting, be aware that there are a few times you may find a bright light in your eyes. There are a few scenes with low lighting and a flashlight onstage that is shown directly into the audience. There is also one scene with a disco ball that reflects light to the seats. If you are photosensitive, take care to protect your eyes during these moments.
The show’s crew impresses as much as the cast. Set changes are completed without the audience even being aware of them. The actors are easy to hear and understand, thanks to the microphones. Everything is seemingly effortless. Credit for these smooth technical details belongs to the Stage Manager (Milo Mardsen), Properties (Justina Spencer), Sound Design (Anthony Swanson), Operator (Summer Balentine) and Technical Design (Tanner Lindsay).
All Shook Up by The Empress Theatre is a light-hearted and energetic show filled with familiar tunes. Presley’s hits turned into musical theater is such a fun and zany concept that you might catch yourself tapping your toes and tempted to sing along. Presley’s songs stand the test of time. It truly is a show that everyone can appreciate. The play is appropriate for all ages, so feel free to bring the whole family. Put on your blue suede shoes and swing your hips on down to The Empress Theatre in Magna to enjoy your Presley favorites in All Shook Up.
The Empress Theatre Presents All Shook Up, Book by Joe Dipietro, Music Inspired by Elvis Presley
Empress Theatre, 9104 2700 S, Magna, UT 84044
March 29-April 20, 2019 7:30 PM
Tickets: $12.00, or $10.00 on Thursdays
Contact: 801-347-7373, empress@empresstheatre.com
Empress Facebook Page
All Shook Up Facebook Event
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