Shakin' it up in Square Town America (Clarksville Little Theatre)

Aug 2

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All Shook Up Music and Lyrics by Elvis Presley Book by Joe DiPietro Directed by Sarah Thomas Music Direction by Wesley Thomas

There are plenty of shows taking place this weekend and next, but none of them will have audience members laughing, snapping their fingers or dancing in the aisles quite like Clarksville Little Theatre’s All Shook Up.

Featuring iconic music from the legendary Elvis and inspired by William Shakespeare's 12th Night, the musical comedy All Shook Up sees a square town in the middle of a square part of America getting worked-up and quickly changed when Chad (Tynan Hillegas on Friday night), a leather jacket rule breaking guitar-carrying stranger, arrives. Soon, everyone’s dancing and falling in love, much to the chagrin of Mayor Matilda (Sloan Doyle).

Sarah Thomas directed this fun production, Wesley Thomas provided music direction, and Rebecca Brewer served as choreographer. They created an environment, along with Elvis classics like "Burnin’ Love", "Heartbreak Hotel", and "Hound Dog", that allowed all of the cast members to enjoy being onstage. The ensemble members sang during their numbers with a power that would rival professional touring companies, and the movements were energetic, comedic when needed, and seemingly effortless, most notably during "C’mon Everybody".

Individual moments, meanwhile, were plentiful. LiAndrea Goatley, as bar owner Sylvia, owned her showstopping, poignant number "There’s Always Me". Goatley also had wonderful mother-daughter chemistry with Arianna Hart, who played her daughter Lorraine. Hart, in turn, had believable romantic chemistry with her love interest Dean (Cajani Hurd), which led to the duo harmonizing well with a little humor during "It’s Now or Never".

As for character work, there were many highlights. Natalie (Savannah Weber on Friday night) was hilarious in her attempts to woo Chad, especially after becoming the male character Ed. Hillegas, meanwhile, infused Chad with the rock-n-roll strutting and sensual charisma that would make Elvis proud.

In response, Doyle, as Matilda, was awesomely over the top both in look and mannerisms as she attempted to take back the town from Chad’s influence. Matilda’s right-hand man, Sheriff Earl (Greg Collier) had little to say but plenty of his own movements that added to the show’s hilarity.

Easily the best character of the night was Dennis, whom Jareth Gaddis portrayed. Gaddis was delightfully awkward and geeky whether he was quoting Shakespeare, attempting to show his true feelings for Natalie or becoming Chad’s “sidekick”. He rightfully earned the show’s most laughs.

Thanks to all of the above, the audience was dialed into the show from the first song to the final ensemble number. At the show's closing number, not only was the cast dancing, but plenty of people were clapping, nodding their heads on beat, and even a couple of people danced into the aisles. That was beautiful to see.

All Shook Up is going on at Clarksville Little Theatre through Aug. 10. Do not miss this show. All Shook Up Clarksville Little Theater July 31 at 7:30pm Aug 1 at 7:30 pm Aug 2 at 7:30 pm Aug 3 at 2:00 pm Aug 7 at 7:30 pm Aug 8 at 7:30 pm Aug 9 at 7:30 pm Aug 10 at 2:00 pm