<p>Strong Ensemble in Mercury Summer Stock’s “All Shook Up” Brings High Energy Fun<br>
By MARJORIE PRESTON<br>
Brava!<br>
<a href="http://www.marjoriepreston.com/brava">www.marjoriepreston.com/brava</a></p>
<p> Mercury Summer Stock’s current musical production, “All Shook Up,”
with book by Joe Pietro, the music of Elvis Presley and based on William
Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” is a high-energy, grooving good time,
especially for fans of 1950s music.</p>
<p> A town somewhere in middle America in 1956 appears to have been
stuck in reverse until wandering roustabout Chad (Matthew Roscoe) revs
into town on his motorcycle and rousts them from their complacency.
What’s hard to be believe is the ripple effect of his visit. After the
town’s tomboy bike mechanic, Natalie (Dani Apple), falls madly for Chad,
it seems like everyone in town has fallen in love.</p>
<p> Natalie’s nerdy, poetry-loving friend Dennis (Brian Marshall) has
fallen for Natalie despite her crush on Chad. Meanwhile, Chad is in
love with the sultry Miss Sandra (Dana Aber), the museum curator. And
Natalie has disguised herself as a man named Ed in the hopes of
endearing herself to Chad as his sidekick. Both Chad and Natalie’s
widower dad, Jim (Dan DiCello), have fallen for sexy Sandra, but she has
the hots for Ed, not knowing he’s really Natalie.</p>
<p> The sassy local tavern owner, Sylvia (Kelvette Beacham), pines for
Jim while her daughter, the fresh-faced Lorraine (Lauryn Alexandria
Hobbs), falls in love at first sight with the clean-cut mayor’s son Dean
Hyde (Jesse Markowitz). None of this is pleasing to Mayor Matilda Hyde
(Kathleen Caldwell), who spends all her time with Sheriff Earl (Carter
Welo – yes, the South Euclid mayor’s husband), especially the fact that
her son is seeing a “colored” girl. It is lovely to see the mayor
finally confronted and asked by Earl, “Don’t you ever get tired of
judging people?”</p>
<p> “Heartbreak Hotel” is a fierce, full and powerful ensemble number to
start the show and there is a lovely tableau within. Hobbs and Beacham
shine in “That’s All Right,” and Markowitz and Hobbs share a sweet
moment in “It’s Now or Never.” Aber has a powerful solo in “Let
Yourself Go,” and the power of a great ensemble really comes through in
“Can’t Help Falling In Love” when the group stands together in the name
of love and just belts it out.</p>
<p> Marshall sings his plaintive torch song in “It Hurts Me” and Apple
sings “A Little Less Conversation” in such a flurry, it’s almost like a
rap, and that’s a good thing – thankfully far from loungy Elvis. “I
Don’t Want To” showcases Roscoe’s strong pipes and great comic timing.
Walking away with the show was Beacham’s “There’s Always Me,” a kind,
buttery ballad from a woman resigned to her truth, her love. “Fools
Fall in Love” ends the show and it highlights Apple’s lovely, controlled
voice as well as offering a festive “Soul Train” feel from the sizable
ensemble.</p>
<p> Director, Set Designer and Choreographer Pierre-Jacques Brault has a
universally strong cast in “All Shook Up.” Brault has decorated his
set with eye-catching primary colors and the set is full of iconic 50s
images like sunglasses and classic cars. A boldly colored bright red
box frames the piano and drum section of the band and hides three more
band members. Innovative choreography included license plates as
percussion instruments, great ensemble numbers and a whole lotta shakin’
in blue suede shoes. “All Shook Up” is good fun – toe-tapping music
and a talented cast.</p>
<p> “All Shook Up” plays at Mercury Summer Stock, Regina Auditorium at
Notre Dame College, 1857 South Green Road in South Euclid. Performances
are Thursday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m. through August 18 and Sunday
matinees at 2 p.m. For tickets visit <a href="http://www.mercurysummerstock.com">www.mercurysummerstock.com</a> or call
(216) 771-5862.</p>
<p>Marjorie’s reviews can also be seen at <a href="http://www.marjoriepreston.com/brava/www.clevelandtheaterreviews.com">www.clevelandtheaterreviews.com</a>.</p><p># # #<br></p><br><font face="Arial" lang="0">Marjorie Preston, President<b><br>
Marjorie Preston PR<br>
</b><a href="http://www.marjoriepreston.com/" target="_blank">http://www.marjoriepreston.com/</a><br>
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