Meet Chad, a would-be Elvis big on swagger, sideburns and love for the ladies. 

From that electric Jailhouse Rock opening, All Shook Up soaks up the nostalgia and the lighthearted side of the ‘Fabulous ‘50s.’  Adding humor, fun frivolity and amazing choreography, All Shook Up boasts powerful vocals and plenty of love to the beat of Elvis’s greatest hits.  Turn up that jukebox.  It’s time for a ride down memory lane.

With exuberant direction by Arthur Gomez, tight and sweeping choreography by Larry Sousa with upbeat music direction by Mindy Cimini, Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston presents All Shook Up live and in person at the Robinson Theatre in Waltham, Massachusetts through July 21.  This engaging musical comedy is approximately two hours with one 15 minute intermission and not for young children.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

Vibrantly charged in florescent blue and red by Frank Meissner Jr, Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston brings the 50’s back to life with Janie Howland’s vintage set design of Main Street USA which includes Sylvia’s Honkey Tonk, Jim’s Service Station, Main Street Museum and appropriately Town Shoes which is a hint for those blue suede shoes.  Each locale plays an integral part in roustabout Chad’s wild journey.

Boasting a Bye Bye Birdie vibe with Grease energy, All Shook Up looks at a small Midwestern town’s perspective on a summer day in 1955 when Chad, portrayed distinctly by Christopher Lewis, makes an instant impact.  Lewis shakes up Main Street USA for the better while unearthing a guitar-tinged bebop vibe that self righteous and plotting Mayor Matilda, depicted with sharp comedic timing by Janis Hudson in a performance reminiscent of Joan Cusack, is determined to stop.  In cat eye glasses and alongside James Turner the III as suspicious Sheriff Earl, Hudson shines in the fierce and catchy number The Devil in Disguise, humorously posing and barking out orders with zeal and authority. 

All Shook Up is full of deadpan jokes and clever quips with Elvis song titles and lyrics. When a townsperson points out Chad’s blue suede shoes, Chad casually warns to lay off them.  Part impersonation with the vocal chops to match, Chad embodies the larger than life qualities of Elvis, but takes it one step further making the part his own exemplified in a resonating rendition of I Don’t Want to demonstrating Lewis’s own unique and dynamic range.

A storm of unrequited love and love triangles taken from a mix of Shakespearean comedies, this ‘50s musical comedy infuses a lot of elements into this lively tale and it works.  Christopher Lewis as Chad makes a powerful impression on everyone he meets.  Gwynne Wood as Natalie is the mechanic and is looking for more excitement than this little town can hold.  Wood is endearing as Natalie who is sensible, timid, and resourceful with a powerful belt for One Night with You.  Wood shares some charming chemistry with Jackson Jirard as best friend Dennis who only has eyes for Natalie.  Jirard also shares some amusing scenes with Lewis, Wood, and Alfred-Jean Chavier’s Jim as the voice of reason.

 Tader Shipley as vampy blond bombshell Miss Sandra also makes her own impression with a soaring rendition of Let Yourself Go and alongside the cast for a sassy take on Teddy Bear/Hound Dog.

Carolyn Saxon brings sincerity and candidness to Sylvia and shares a varying yet sweet rapport with her daughter, Lorraine, depicted by Amaris Rios and Jean-Alfred Chavier as forthright and apprehensive widow Jim.  Saxon performs a stunning rendition of There’s Always Me.   

The production also flips the script in more ways than one while staying faithful to the Shakespearean twists.  Rebellious Lorraine and Preston Karp as dutiful Dean share exciting chemistry and their rendition of It’s Now or Never is a delight alongside Sousa’s innovative bus choreography.    

C’mon everybody is a classic and vintage showstopper weaving in classic dance moves as Emerald City Theatrical does it again in vintage gleaming colored costumes ranging in plaids, bowling shirts, and gorgeous fit and flair crinoline dresses. 

All Shook Up is bright, catchy and a lot of fun with an inherent message within an array of beloved Elvis hits that might lighten the weight of this world for awhile. 

With exuberant direction by Arthur Gomez, amazing choreography by Larry Sousa with upbeat music direction by Mindy Cimini, Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston presents All Shook Up live and in person at the Robinson Theatre in Waltham, Massachusetts through July 21.  This engaging musical comedy is approximately two hours with one 15 minute intermission.  Click here for more information and for tickets.