“All Shook Up” Debuts at Cortland Repertory Theatre

Cortland Repertory Theatre invites audiences to grab their blue suede shoes and get ready to shake things up with their debut production of the rockin’ and rollin’ musical “ALL SHOOK UP”. Performances of this high energy, family-friendly show will run from June 18 – July 5 with evening performances at 7:30.  Matinees are available on June 20, 22, 25, 27, 29 and July 2 at 2:00 PM.  Tickets may be purchase by calling 800-427-6160 or by visiting the CRT Box Office at 24 Port Watson Street in downtown Cortland. Tickets are also available for sale 24 hours a day through the CRT website at www.cortlandrep.org. Some performances are already sold out, so CRT suggests calling early.

Audiences across the country “can’t help falling in love” with this hit musical that is inspired by and features the songs recorded by Elvis Presley. It is 1955 and into a square little town in a square little state rides a guitar-playing roustabout who changes everything and everyone he meets in this hip-swiveling, lip-curling musical fantasy. Based loosely on the comedies of Shakespeare including “Much Ado About Nothing” and “Twelfth Night”, the show has audiences jumping to their feet with such classics as “Hound Dog,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “Don’t Be Cruel.”

The show is directed by long-time CRT director Bert Bernardi who has worked on such CRT productions as “The Full Monty”, “Grease”, and “Joseph and the…Dreamcoat” amongst many others.  Music Director Logan Culwell returns as well, having also worked on “Monty” and “Grease”.  Choreographer Robin Levine makes her CRT debut.

Starring as Chad, the Elvis-type roustabout, is CRT newcomer Andrew Conners, and Kailey Prior stars as Natalie, the young female mechanic who falls head over heels for him.  Playing Natalie’s widower father is Thomas Mothershed, and Patrick Brady portrays Dennis, the young inspiring dentist who is smitten with Natalie.  The show features two actresses returning to the CRT stage: Debra Thais Evans, who played Mama Morton in CRT’s “Chicago” will play Sylvia, the owner of the local “Heartbreak Hotel” bar, and Rebecca McGraw, who has been in CRT’s productions of “The Ladies Man”, “See How They Run” and “Damn Yankees” will play conservative mayor Matilda Hyde who is out to shut down any kind of rock and roll music wherever it may play.  Talented performing interns Jasmine Harris and Will Vickers play Lorraine and Dean, two star-crossed young lovers. Miss Sandra, the local museum curator who also happens to be a knockout is played by Hannah Zilber.  Local actor and Cortland High School teacher Bill Lee will be playing the quiet Sheriff Earl.  The all-singing, all-dancing ensemble is comprised of Courtney Blackmun, Denzel Edmondson, Joel Pellini, Jordon Silver, Kelsey Thompson, Michaela Vine, Imani Williams, and Anthony Wright.

Stage Manager Elsbeth Turner makes her CRT debut with this show, and leads the design and production team. Jason Bolen returns as Scenic Designer, having created the sets for many CRT shows including “Buddy”, “The Full Monty, and “CATS”. Costumes are created by long-time CRT Costume Designer Jimmy Johansmeyer.  Continuing their work this season are Props Designer Lisa Guild, Lighting Designer Annmarie Dugan and Sound Designer Seth Asa Sengel.  Patrick McGovern continues his work at Technical Director and Monica Meyer serves as Assistant Stage Manager.  Laura Krouch continues as Company Manager.

CRT continues “Friday Night Talk Backs” at which a Q & A session with the actors, designers and crew takes place after every Friday evening performance. Tickets are also on sale for all of CRT’s summer season, which includes “Les Miserables”, “Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Jersey Lily”, “Making God Laugh”, “Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash” and the children’s show “Alice in Wonderland”.