By LeAnna Hamblin
Hopebox Theatre in Kaysville, Utah brings laughter and healing to their community by presenting All Shook Up, a raucous musical written by Joe DiPietro that is inspired by and features the classic songs of Elvis Presley. All Shook Up is a lesser-known show that has quickly gained popularity with smaller audiences since its short run on Broadway in 2005.
When an unknown roustabout, Chad (Dylan Brinkman), comes to town, singing his edgy music, he begins to stir up all kinds of trouble with the local folks, causing people of the tight-knit town to rethink the laws and go after what they really want: love. As Chad tries to convince townsfolk that music can be life-changing and take over your body and soul, he is met with some resistance and unexpected feelings. Natalie (Mackenzie Turner/Brittany Paskett), the town mechanic, has instant feelings for the new man in town, but Chad only has eyes for Sandra (Niki Waite/Abigail Philpott), the museum curator. Chad inadvertently creates a love triangle that quickly escalates to a love…hexagon. When a man named Dennis (Josh Rogers) proclaims his feelings for Natalie, he feels his only hope to win her love is to take on the role as sidekick to the charming Chad. Hoping to learn a few tricks to win his lady, Dennis soon realizes that maybe he’s not the type to win over such a daring girl. But he sticks around as her best friend and gives her some accidental advice. As Natalie transforms from sweet girl mechanic to rugged biker dude, Ed, she feels like her only hope to win Chad’s heart is to be his friend first and take over as sidekick.
This musical is hilarious, and Brinkman is as charming and talented as the Elvis-type character needs. His hip action and lip curl are perfect, and his voice has just the right tone to bring the Elvis charm to the stage.
M. Turner does an amazing job taking on the role of female love interest and best friend. Her quick vocal changes are seamless and her clear, strong voice leads the cast in many of the large ensemble numbers like “Can’t Help Falling in Love” and “Fools Fall in Love.” Her solos are heartfelt and reminiscent of vocalists from an earlier era. She lets the magic of music flow through her and permeate the audience. She is versatile in her acting and shows all facets of her ability in this demanding role.
Rogers embodies the role of shy and timid Dennis, who only wants to be accepted and loved. His dynamic with the other actors makes the show flow smoothly. His voice is timid when it needs to be and strong when he is more assertive. He and Brinkman play well off each other as Brinkman takes on the role of alpha male in the relationship. And Rogers is excellent at allowing himself to be led by the roustabout.
The cast is full of standout performers who embody their roles and shine onstage. Sophia Morrill, who plays Lorraine, friend to Natalie, is a pleasure to watch perform. Her voice is strong and dynamic, and my attention was drawn to her throughout the show. Her chemistry with love interest, Dean Hyde (Ethan Hoffman) is authentic and she also played well off her mother Sylvia (Amanda Maloy/Crystl Naylor).
Mayor Matilda (April Beardall), the enforcer of the laws, is another standout character. Beardall does an excellent job leading around her lackey, Earl (Joseph Nichols), and asserting her authority throughout town.
One character that resonates with the audience is Jim (Darin Beardall), Natalie’s father and a widower. D. Beardall connects with the audience in a way that makes them believe that they can overcome any hardship. His touching performance is memorable, and his vocals are outstanding, especially in “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”
Aninviting aspect of this show is that the musical numbers are written to provide solos for many performersand the choreography allows all cast members to show their strengths. Producer Amy Turner and Director Todd Wente have gathered an incredible team to work with this excellent cast. Music Director Kirsten Jacobson does an amazing job bringing the entire cast together to create beautiful harmonies in numbers such as “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” Choreographer, Liz Christensen, utilizes the space of the smaller stage well, always keeping the cast moving with purpose. Set Designer, Curtis Dalton, uses a creative technique in keeping the set simple and interchangeable. Many of th e pieces are used during multiple scenes and the changes are made quickly and efficiently thanks to Stage Manager, Justina Spencer. One outstanding design is that of the carnival scene, where Dalton makes good use of black lighting to create an authentic carnival feel. It is also noted that tributes to the Brinkerhoff family are present in the set design.
Each show that is presented at Hopebox Theatre in Kaysville is dedicated to a person affected by the life-changing effects of cancer. Husband and wife Jason and Heather Brinkerhoff have both recently been diagnosed with different cancers and are undergoing aggressive treatments to fight for their lives. They are the recipients for this production. The mission of Hopebox Theatre is to “bring hope to families battling cancer through the performing arts.” All Shook Up does this perfectly by opening the hearts of audiences and letting them feel the magic and freedom of music and dance.
Hopebox Theatre Presents All Shook Up, inspired by and featuring the songs of Elvis Presley, Book by Joe DiPietro.
Hopebox Theatre, 1700 Frontage Road, Kaysville, Utah 84037
August 2-24, 7:30 PM, Monday, Friday, Saturday, August 10, 17, 24 Matinee 2:00 PM
Tickets: $12-$17
Contact: 801-451-5259
www.hopeboxtheatre.com
Hopebox Theatre Facebook Page
All Shook Up Facebook Event
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