"ALL SHOOK UP," through April 4, Hale Center Theater Orem (801-226-8600); running time: 2 hours, 15 minutes (one intermission)
OREM — One night at the Hale Center Theater Orem is all it takes to fall in love with "All Shook Up," the jukebox musical featuring the hip-swinging tunes of Elvis Presley with a comical Shakespearean-esque plot.
Opening with "Jail House Rock," we meet Chad, the "roustabout" who is being let out of jail after turning a Midwestern 1950s town upside down with his motorcycle, rock 'n' roll music and suave good looks.
Played by Jared Young (double cast with Zack Wilson), Chad grabs the audience quickly with his deep, Elvis-like voice and lovable "too-cool-for-you" attitude.
When he rumbles into the next town, mechanic Natalie, played by Leslie Hiatt (double cast with Kelly Hennessey), instantly falls for the leather-clad crooner, and in a frequently used and comical technique, the scene freezes so Natalie can proclaim to Chad, "One night with you is what I'm now praying for."
"One Night with You" becomes the signal for each new love interest in the play, which always begins with just one glance at the new character before the actor bursts passionately, and humorously, into song.
All of this, of course, is against the rules, ever since the eccentric and comically pious Mayor Matilda (Jackie Eaton and Brittani Cavaness) banned public displays of affection and most of all, rock 'n' roll.
Which makes a later guitar duel between Chad and Matilda, set to "Devil in Disguise," much more amusing.
Unlike some jukebox musicals where the plot lags behind the music, "All Shook Up" has enough plot twists to keep the audience engaged.
In fact, it's easy to forget the songs are Elvis hits, as the show gives them new life and meaning by weaving them through a complicated love pentagon. (There are too many lovers to consider it a triangle.)
The nod to Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" becomes apparent when Natalie decides that to win the affection of Chad she must become his manly sidekick, Ed.
Only nerdy Dennis (Brian Jensen and Ames Bell), Natalie's lifelong friend, knows the truth behind her hat and painted beard.
However, because he's secretly in love with her, he allows her to "Follow That Dream" and replace him as Chad's sidekick.
Chad, who has fallen for the town's polished museum curator, Miss Sandra (Brianna Jensen and Mimi Knell), finds himself now drawn to "Ed," the best sidekick he's ever had.
But the plot thickens when Miss Sandra falls for Ed.
Each scene is full of energy and features a well-rounded cast with strong leads and strong supportive singers.
There's excellent period costuming, including blue suede shoes and a humorous fox fur worn by Mayor Matilda.
Although the musical, barely off Broadway, was intended for a large stage with extensive props, Hale Center Theater had to be creative with its limited space and "in-the-round" format.
Unfortunately, the choreography, while good, often felt a bit confined
E-mail: sisraelsen@desnews.com