Get all shook up Friday at Riverland

Published 10:20 am Thursday, October 2, 2008

A rebel and roustabout released from jail with “music in his soul and women on his mind” shakes up a small Midwestern town in a jukebox musical featuring hits by Elvis Presley.

“All Shook up” debuts tomorrow at Riverland Community College. Theater director Jerry Girton said the production is “built around Elvis Presley’s music, but it’s not about Elvis Presley.”

Loosely based on William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” the musical stars “Chad,” played by Andrew Torkelson, a guitar-playing motorcyclist who in a small town’s bike shop for repairs. He falls for “Natalie,” played by Kelsey Seifert, who disguises herself to fit in at the shop.

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“It sets the whole town a’tizzy,” Girton said.

A cast of 26 perform in “All Shook Up,” which includes many favorites by The King, including “Jailhouse Rock,” “Love Me Tender,” “Don’t Be Cruel” and “Burning Love,” among many others. The musical director is Connie Nelson.

“The kids are having a lot of fun, because of course they are two generations removed, but they know all of Elvis Presley’s music,” Girton said.

“All Shook Up” plays at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 3-5 and Oct. 8-11. Tickets are $12.