ALL SHOOK UP Rocks the Goodspeed Stage Now Through August 24
By Kiersten Bjork (July 12, 2025)
All Shook Up, the high-energy musical inspired by and featuring the songs of Elvis Presley, has already been extended due to popular demand at Goodspeed Musicals. Now playing through August 24, it’s immediately clear from the very first notes why that is. Director Daniel Goldstein has crafted a toe-tapping treat with this production, layering the catchy score and humorous book with quick pacing, a driven and talented cast, and clever staging. Byron Easley’s choreography is dynamic and sharp, weaving steps of the time with Broadway magic to create a thrilling show. Adam J. Rineer serves as music director for the production, with Gideon Temple as associate music director and Adam Souza as music supervisor.
Part Footloose, part Twelfth Night, and with a whole helping of Elvis, All Shook Up follows the denizens of a small you-never-heard-of-it town somewhere in the Midwest in 1955 when a motorcycle-riding, guitar-playing roustabout rolls in. With music in his veins, Chad touches the hearts and souls of a community that finds themselves repressed by the strict policies of Mayor Matilda – no loud music and no indecent behavior at the top of the list – bringing them a new energy, and a healthy dose of “burning love.” Featuring classics such as “Jailhouse Rock,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Hound Dog,” and “Blue Suede Shoes,” All Shook Up is a heartwarming, humorous take on a recognizable story that will have you singing and dancing your way out of the theatre, ready to come back and enjoy it all over again.
All Shook Up, the high-energy musical inspired by and featuring the songs of Elvis Presley, has already been extended due to popular demand at Goodspeed Musicals. Now playing through August 24, it’s immediately clear from the very first notes why that is. Director Daniel Goldstein has crafted a toe-tapping treat with this production, layering the catchy score and humorous book with quick pacing, a driven and talented cast, and clever staging. Byron Easley’s choreography is dynamic and sharp, weaving steps of the time with Broadway magic to create a thrilling show. Adam J. Rineer serves as music director for the production, with Gideon Temple as associate music director and Adam Souza as music supervisor.
Part Footloose, part Twelfth Night, and with a whole helping of Elvis, All Shook Up follows the denizens of a small you-never-heard-of-it town somewhere in the Midwest in 1955 when a motorcycle-riding, guitar-playing roustabout rolls in. With music in his veins, Chad touches the hearts and souls of a community that finds themselves repressed by the strict policies of Mayor Matilda – no loud music and no indecent behavior at the top of the list – bringing them a new energy, and a healthy dose of “burning love.” Featuring classics such as “Jailhouse Rock,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Hound Dog,” and “Blue Suede Shoes,” All Shook Up is a heartwarming, humorous take on a recognizable story that will have you singing and dancing your way out of the theatre, ready to come back and enjoy it all over again.
Ryan Mac and the cast of All Shook Up at Goodspeed Musicals, 2025 (Diane Sobolewski)
|
The cast of All Shook Up at Goodspeed Musicals, 2025 (Diane Sobolewski)
|
The roustabout himself is played by Ryan Mac, who hip-swivels his way into the audience's hearts from his very first entrance. With all the swagger and bravado required for the singing and dancing “Devil in Disguise,” Mac is a true triple threat that commands the stage in scene after scene. Opposite Mac is Kerstin Anderson as Natalie Haller, the sweet and sassy mechanic who falls head over heels in love with Chad. As both Natalie and Natalie’s alter ego, Ed, Anderson is a delight. She’s got a spark that draws the eye as she switches back and forth from grease-covered Natalie to rough-and-tough Ed, and even to lovestruck, dress-wearing Natalie, all the while leading with a powerful presence and great vocals.
Poor Dennis is in love with Natalie and unable to tell her, much to the audience’s amusement, and Jordan Matthew Brown plays this comedic track brilliantly. From intentionally awkward moments to carefully timed delivery, Brown is a hilarious counterpart to the slick Chad, earning plenty of laughs over the course of the show.
Natalie’s father, Jim, is portrayed by Benjamin Howes. Howes is endearing as the widowed father. His relationship with Anderson is touching, and he’s quite funny as he tries to pursue and woo the new head of the Museum with a few lessons from Chad. Sporting a leather jacket of his own, the moments between Howes and Mac are delightful. Howes’ moments opposite Sylvia, played by understudy Montria Walker (typically played by L Morgan Lee), also had the audience smiling. Their banter and exchanged insults and “I told you so” moments are charming. Walker is a powerhouse as Sylvia, earning mid-song applause during her rendition of “There’s Always Me.” She is incredibly engaging to watch on stage, both in her moments with Howes and in those opposite Sylvia’s daughter, Lorraine, played by Jackera Davis.
Don’t be misled by the initially cute and sweet Lorraine that Davis has crafted – she’s got spunk and an impressive voice to go with it. Davis does an excellent job with the young, rebellious Lorraine who starts out going behind her mother’s back to be with the boy she loves. Dean, played by Jackson Reagin, and Lorraine are an adorable pair, both worried about how their mothers and community will perceive their love, but both too in love to care. Davis and Reagin work well together, and their “It’s Now or Never” is fantastic. Reagin is entertaining as Dean, who goes from the awkward, military-raised perfect son of the mayor to a smooth-dancing young man determined to be with the girl he loves. His vocal and dance work are wonderful.
Miss Sandra, the focus of lust and affection for numerous characters, is played to perfection by Jessica Crouch. From over the top, intentional physical choices in staging, costume, and more, to sultry looks and dramatic flair, Crouch knocks it out of the park. She plays up both the sexuality and humor of the character, crafting an eye-catching and hilarious performance that owns the stage.
Perhaps one of the funniest performances is that of Amy Hillner Larsen as Mayor Matilda, with Kilty Reidy as Sheriff Earl always right behind. Larsen’s physical and vocal choices for the role are hysterical, and as she and Reidy scamper through the aisles waving fists and brandishing flashlights, it’s hard not to laugh non-stop. Her “Devil in Disguise” is an absolute hoot. Reidy is aptly stoic, with amusing facial expressions at the appropriate points, but when Sheriff Earl finally puts his foot down, it’s fun to see Reidy let loose.
Rounding out the company is an impressive group of performers that elevate the production with clever characters, explosive dancing, and striking vocals. The ensemble features Ian Dominguez Ball, Jenna Bienvenue, Corinne C. Broadbent, Julius Chase, Maddie Garbaty, Michael James, Myles McHale, Keyon Pickett, and Sydney Quildon, with Ben Horsburgh and Eleni Kontzamanys as swings, both of whom were on when I attended.
Poor Dennis is in love with Natalie and unable to tell her, much to the audience’s amusement, and Jordan Matthew Brown plays this comedic track brilliantly. From intentionally awkward moments to carefully timed delivery, Brown is a hilarious counterpart to the slick Chad, earning plenty of laughs over the course of the show.
Natalie’s father, Jim, is portrayed by Benjamin Howes. Howes is endearing as the widowed father. His relationship with Anderson is touching, and he’s quite funny as he tries to pursue and woo the new head of the Museum with a few lessons from Chad. Sporting a leather jacket of his own, the moments between Howes and Mac are delightful. Howes’ moments opposite Sylvia, played by understudy Montria Walker (typically played by L Morgan Lee), also had the audience smiling. Their banter and exchanged insults and “I told you so” moments are charming. Walker is a powerhouse as Sylvia, earning mid-song applause during her rendition of “There’s Always Me.” She is incredibly engaging to watch on stage, both in her moments with Howes and in those opposite Sylvia’s daughter, Lorraine, played by Jackera Davis.
Don’t be misled by the initially cute and sweet Lorraine that Davis has crafted – she’s got spunk and an impressive voice to go with it. Davis does an excellent job with the young, rebellious Lorraine who starts out going behind her mother’s back to be with the boy she loves. Dean, played by Jackson Reagin, and Lorraine are an adorable pair, both worried about how their mothers and community will perceive their love, but both too in love to care. Davis and Reagin work well together, and their “It’s Now or Never” is fantastic. Reagin is entertaining as Dean, who goes from the awkward, military-raised perfect son of the mayor to a smooth-dancing young man determined to be with the girl he loves. His vocal and dance work are wonderful.
Miss Sandra, the focus of lust and affection for numerous characters, is played to perfection by Jessica Crouch. From over the top, intentional physical choices in staging, costume, and more, to sultry looks and dramatic flair, Crouch knocks it out of the park. She plays up both the sexuality and humor of the character, crafting an eye-catching and hilarious performance that owns the stage.
Perhaps one of the funniest performances is that of Amy Hillner Larsen as Mayor Matilda, with Kilty Reidy as Sheriff Earl always right behind. Larsen’s physical and vocal choices for the role are hysterical, and as she and Reidy scamper through the aisles waving fists and brandishing flashlights, it’s hard not to laugh non-stop. Her “Devil in Disguise” is an absolute hoot. Reidy is aptly stoic, with amusing facial expressions at the appropriate points, but when Sheriff Earl finally puts his foot down, it’s fun to see Reidy let loose.
Rounding out the company is an impressive group of performers that elevate the production with clever characters, explosive dancing, and striking vocals. The ensemble features Ian Dominguez Ball, Jenna Bienvenue, Corinne C. Broadbent, Julius Chase, Maddie Garbaty, Michael James, Myles McHale, Keyon Pickett, and Sydney Quildon, with Ben Horsburgh and Eleni Kontzamanys as swings, both of whom were on when I attended.
Kerstin Anderson and Ryan Mac in All Shook Up at Goodspeed Musicals, 2025 (Diane Sobolewski)
|
Jackson Reagin and Jackera Davis in All Shook Up at Goodspeed Musicals, 2025 (Diane Sobolewski)
|
Scenic designer Beowulf Boritt has created a clever set of multi-use columns that are rotated to build the scenery for different locations. With each side depicting a different setting, and panels that fold out to reveal additional pieces and decoration inside, the design works well to accommodate the many places that we see throughout the show, from the garage to the museum to the shoe store. The colorful pieces with practical lighting built in for the old fairgrounds are quite fun as well.
Costume design by Tilly Grimes places the characters well within the world of the show. With pops of color and fun patterns lighting up the ensemble, each character’s look fits both the style and period of the show, while reinforcing the individual traits of the different roles. Hair, wig, and makeup design by Tommy Kurzman pulls the final looks together with numerous loud and proud styles of the era.
Paige Seber’s lighting design wields light and shadow to skillfully expand upon the setting, framing each moment beautifully. I particularly loved the color used throughout, especially in the scenes set in the fairgrounds.
Sound design by Jay Hilton is strong, with a solid balance throughout the production. A particular shoutout to the talented band, as they help carry the vibrant score of this show with great success.
Costume design by Tilly Grimes places the characters well within the world of the show. With pops of color and fun patterns lighting up the ensemble, each character’s look fits both the style and period of the show, while reinforcing the individual traits of the different roles. Hair, wig, and makeup design by Tommy Kurzman pulls the final looks together with numerous loud and proud styles of the era.
Paige Seber’s lighting design wields light and shadow to skillfully expand upon the setting, framing each moment beautifully. I particularly loved the color used throughout, especially in the scenes set in the fairgrounds.
Sound design by Jay Hilton is strong, with a solid balance throughout the production. A particular shoutout to the talented band, as they help carry the vibrant score of this show with great success.
Amy Hillner Larsen with Ian Dominguez Ball, Julius Chase, and Michael James in All Shook Up at Goodspeed Musicals, 2025 (Diane Sobolewski)
|
Jessica Crouch and the cast of All Shook Up at Goodspeed Musicals, 2025 (Diane Sobolewski)
|
All Shook Up is the perfect summer show. With catchy tunes, flashy dance numbers, delightful characters, and a fun plot, it’s a joyful romp of a jukebox musical, reminding us just how enjoyable the genre can be. “C’mon Everybody” – “Let Yourself Go,” put on your “Blue Suede Shoes,” and get down to Goodspeed Musicals to get “All Shook Up” by this “Hound Dog” of a “Roustabout.” Don’t miss your chance to catch All Shook Up, playing at Goodspeed Musicals now through August 24!
All Shook Up plays June 27-August 24, 2025, at Goodspeed Musicals in East Haddam, CT. Learn more and purchase tickets at goodspeed.org/shows/all-shook-up or by calling the Box Office at (860) 873-8668.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.
All Shook Up plays June 27-August 24, 2025, at Goodspeed Musicals in East Haddam, CT. Learn more and purchase tickets at goodspeed.org/shows/all-shook-up or by calling the Box Office at (860) 873-8668.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.