One more in Broadway's series of "jukebox musicals" (Mamma Mia, Movin' Out, Jersey Boys, etc.), All Shook Up features the songs of Elvis Presley. Cheyenne Jackson stars as Chad, the guitar-playing, pelvis-swiveling, blue-... more »suede-shoe-wearing roustabout who arrives to shake up a mid-America town that's so buttoned up it forbids public necking, interracial dating, and loud music. Various romantic entanglements arise among Chad, grease-monkey/tomboy Natalie (Jenn Gambatese), her father (Jonathan Hadary), her friend Lorraine (Nikki M. James) and her mother (Sharon Wilkins), her best buddy (Mark Price), the mayor (Alix Korey), and the sexy new museum caretaker (Leah Hocking). The rest of the plot? Well, that's pretty much it, as the characters mostly run around trying to figure out who they're in love with, fitting in excuses to sing such Elvis hits as "Jailhouse Rock," "Can't Help Falling in Love," and "Don't Be Cruel." Jackson won the lead shortly after arriving on Broadway by way of Seattle community theater, then took a role in the movie of United 93. --David Horiuchi« less
One more in Broadway's series of "jukebox musicals" (Mamma Mia, Movin' Out, Jersey Boys, etc.), All Shook Up features the songs of Elvis Presley. Cheyenne Jackson stars as Chad, the guitar-playing, pelvis-swiveling, blue-suede-shoe-wearing roustabout who arrives to shake up a mid-America town that's so buttoned up it forbids public necking, interracial dating, and loud music. Various romantic entanglements arise among Chad, grease-monkey/tomboy Natalie (Jenn Gambatese), her father (Jonathan Hadary), her friend Lorraine (Nikki M. James) and her mother (Sharon Wilkins), her best buddy (Mark Price), the mayor (Alix Korey), and the sexy new museum caretaker (Leah Hocking). The rest of the plot? Well, that's pretty much it, as the characters mostly run around trying to figure out who they're in love with, fitting in excuses to sing such Elvis hits as "Jailhouse Rock," "Can't Help Falling in Love," and "Don't Be Cruel." Jackson won the lead shortly after arriving on Broadway by way of Seattle community theater, then took a role in the movie of United 93. --David Horiuchi
"I saw the show about a month ago, and while there was a little lack-of-plot, it was so entertaining. It almost doesn't matter that the love story gets a little tangled, because you get so hooked on the songs. For example, the most obvious stretch to include a song was "jailhouse rock"... it just starts all of a sudden... I mean, it's a great song, but you can tell that it was included just because it's such a good song, not because it has some kind of relevance. But I still loved show. If you are looking for a profound and enlightening love story... this may not be it--but I truly believe that anyone would enjoy the entertainment (the music grabs you, because it's... well... elvis). The energy and enthusiasm of the performance was outstanding and it was captured really well on this cd. It puts me in a great mood! Between Cheyenne Jackson and Jen Gambatese (and, actually, the entire cast is really strong vocally) I challenge anyone to listen to this cd without singing along, tapping your feet, or bopping your head. Songs like "C'mon Everybody" and "Burning Love" are bound to get you out of your seat. Then there are the seductive songs like, "Let Yourself Go," and "A Little Less Conversation;" the lovestruck ones: "It's now or never," "The Power of My Love," "It Hurts Me," "There's Always Me," and the ever so wonderful "Can't Help Falling In Love." I definately recommend it, especially for those elvis or/and broadway fans. I honestly feel that everyone would appreciate this cd... whether it be for elvis, broadway, or sheer enjoyment!"
A Rollicking Good Time
Josh Solomon | Bellmore, NY | 12/07/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Over the summer I got to experience the Broadway show All Shook Up and it was highly enjoyable. Because critics don't like shows that are based off unoriginal music, they missed the point of All Shook Up. It was a fantastic tribute to one of the greatest singers of all time.
The cast of the show puts every ounce of energy behind the songs and fills them with such zest and pep that it is impossible not to see the charm. Some of the best numbers come when the cast all join in together in such ensemble efforts like "Heartbreak Hotel" and "Can't Help Falling in Love" to produce rousing chorus numbers. The voice talent matches expectations for the songs, as Cheyenne Jackson nails a good mix of Elvis with roustabout charisma in his spotlight songs like "Roustabout" and "C'Mon Everybody."
What the show does a fantastic job of is mixing up the songs, how they are song, and the different voice talent put into each piece. There is a wonderful cross of "Teddy Bear" and "Hound Dog" (words are changed around to make it work), that is fun back and forth song.
The same can be said for "Don't Be Cruel", which is one of the best adaptations of Elvis' songs. It mixes cool, slick, and humor to give another quick duet, back and forth piece to the show.
In short, there are so many fun songs on this CD that you won't be able to stop listening to it for weeks. There is so much charm and energy in each song that you'll feel a little remorse for not seeing it on Broadway (yes, it's run is over), or for not going to go see it again.
So...C'mon everybody and clap your hands right now..."
Filled with "Burning Love" for "All Shook Up"
Kat | MD | 09/07/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I saw "All Shook Up" this past August and immediately fell in love with it. As part of a large high school choir (a choir that has won 1st place in many competitions and sung at Ground Zero and a Washington Wizards game) singing is important to me. Obviously, to get on Broadway you have to have some kind of talent, but the talent displayed in "All Shook Up" is absolutely superb. There is not a bad note or line in the whole thing. You would think that all the ASU performers had been doing this kind of thing their whole lives. It's amazing how they've just burst onto the sceen and made everyone fall in love with them! They're each unique and totally incredible. From the grease monkey Jenn to the hip swiveling Cheyenne to the nerdy Mark they're all excellent. Each one plays their part beautifully, and the whole show is just awesome. The soundtrack is just as good...it's exactly like watching it on stage! It'll bring back great memories and laughs and is a must for any Elvis fan!"
The Best Thing I have Ever Seen!!!
Sean | Union,SC USA | 06/05/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This Show is amazing. It makes you leave the theater so happy and now you can recreate that anytime with this amazing album.I saw the show it's first weekend and thought it was so great. I went into a music store that afternoon and asked did they have it and they told me It came out May 18. So I waited 2 months then I hear it was pushed back till May 31. The wait was well worth it. This is a magical experience with an awesome cast. Cheyenne Jackson is amazing as Chad. Jenn Gambatese's voice is wonderful. Leah Hocking plays Miss Sandra, one of my personal favorites. Not to mention Sharon Wilkins is wonderful in one of her best roles yet. This Show will not let you down. It is hilarious and leave with the best feeling inside. If you can't go see the show then get the album, it is well worth it!!!"
IF YOU'VE SEEN THE SHOW...
Tiffany | Pennsylvania, United States | 06/02/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"...this CD will help you keep the memory! I saw the show a month ago and couldn't WAIT for the cast recording to come out. I now have it, and it's wonderful! The show was hilarious. It kept me laughing the entire time. See the show & buy the CD!"