Memories of “The King” will cascade over audiences in Munster, thanks to a rollicking musical.
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“All Shook Up” runs July 16 to Aug. 16 at Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster.
Set in 1955 in a Midwestern town, the lively production brims with two dozen Elvis Presley songs, ranging from the blistering “Jailhouse Rock” to the angelic “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”
Broadway tested, “All Shook Up” borrows its plot line from a famous romantic comedy written by the Bard.
“The story is Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night,'” said Chicago actress Callie Johnson, who plays Natalie in the Munster play.
Johnson is a Joseph Jefferson Award winner. Also known as the Jeff Awards, the honors are Chicago-area theater’s answer to the Tony Awards.
Only 24, Johnson is a well-versed stage actress, having recently hit the road for a national tour of “Evil Dead: The Musical.”
In her role for “All Shook Up,” Johnson gets to dive into the juicy character of Natalie.
“She’s a total tomboy; she’s never had a boyfriend,” said Johnson, pointing to Natalie’s “grease-monkey lifestyle.”
In keeping with the thematic tone of “Twelfth Night,” Johnson has the chance to stretch her thespian talents by also portraying a guy named Ed.
Other members of the cast also have notable theatrical acumen.
Iris Lieberman, who plays Mayor Matilda Hyde, and Bethany Thomas, who portrays Sylvia, join Johnson in the ranks of Jeff Award winners.
David Sajewich, meanwhile, has the lead role challenge of tackling the character of Chad.
“Chad is the roustabout,” the 26-year-old-Chicago resident said. “It’s a fun part to play. It’s a funny show. There’s some over-the-topness every now and then.”
Pulsating songs such as “(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear” afford Sajewich the chance to grab some enjoyment from the singing aspect of his role. “It’s a blast,” he said.
Sajewich has starred as Ash in a national tour of “Evil Dead: The Musical.”
The play follows Natalie’s journey. She is a small-town girl with lofty dreams who falls for the rogue style of Chad, whom Mayor Matilda Hyde believes is the “Devil in Disguise,” according to promotional material. “(You’re the) Devil in Disguise” was a Top 10 hit for Presley in 1963.
In “All Shook Up,” Hyde seeks to put an end to the rockin’ chaos Chad is creating.
“All Shook Up” is accompanied by some special events for certain performances, such as the dinner-theater offer for the Aug. 6 show.
Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance reporter.
‘All Shook Up’
Where: Theatre at the Center in The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster
When: July 16-Aug. 16
Tickets: $40-$44
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Information: 219-836-3255 or TheatreAtTheCenter.com