By Mark A. Nobles/Special to the Times-Review
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Break out your peddle pushers and poodle skirts because the Plaza Theatre opens the 1950s-themed musical “All Shook Up.” The show features more than 20 songs made famous by the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley.
Set in small-town middle America, the play follows a young roustabout named Chad and the trouble he stirs up and the young female hearts he sets to fluttering when he rolls into town on his motorcycle.
The lead is ably carried out by young Seth Cunningham, who plays Chad as a cross between a strutting, sexy young Elvis and the slow-burning cool of Henry Winkler’s Fonzie from “Happy Days.” Cunningham has the voice and swivel hips necessary to pull off the role with panache.
The young femme fatale for the evening is Daron Cockerell. Her portrayal of Natalie is charming and touching. Cockerell has a voice that could project without amplification in a large hall, but she has such control that it is never overwhelming.
A favorite Elvis song is likely to be heard before the night is over. The music is cleverly intertwined into the dialogue and story line. Unlike some other musicals, the original scores in this show fit tightly.
As has become a Plaza tradition, the stage is packed with dozens of dancers during the large production numbers. Space is at a premium as young dancers twist and shout their way through the performance. Choreographer Michael Sylvester again presents stunning numbers, and the young featured and ensemble dancers are deserving of applause as well.
Highlights from the evening include Cunningham, Milette Siler, Joey Giesel and Cockerell shaking it to “Teddy Bear/Hound Dog” and the entire ensemble is superb in their rendition of “That’s All Right.”
The real scene stealer in the cast is Giesel’s portrayal of the nerdy sidekick Dennis. Giesel’s performance is warm, hilarious and touching. He has a strong voice, sharp comic wit, impeccable timing and even plays a fairly mean electric guitar. His rendition of ‘It Hurts Me’ early in the second act is worth twice the price of admission.
Cherie Robinson is well cast as the prudish Mayor Matilda Hyde and plays well off J. Aaron Lett’s strong, silent Sherriff Earl. Few could ring more humor out of Sherriff Earl’s character than the rubber faced Lett. Jay Lewis plays the lovelorn and tender hearted Jim Haller with a quite, gentle grace. Siler plays siren Miss Sandra with sizzle and spice.
You don’t have to be an Elvis fan to enjoy “All Shook Up.” The story is fun and energetic. The performances are sharp and the entire experience is toe-tappingly delightful. Slip on your blue suede shoes, hop in your Chevy and enjoy the show.
Performances of “All Shook Up” run through July 31. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, with two performances Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. For information, call 817-202-0600 or visit www.plaza-theatre.com.
