Fri 7/15-Sun 7/31
The cast of Near West Theatre’s next production All Shook Up, inspired by the songs of Elvis Presley, aren’t just too young to remember the electrifying magic of the young, hip-shaking Elvis of the 50s, they also have no direct experience with the white jumpsuit-wearing bloated Las Vegas Elvis of the 70s.
But the teen summer production, featuring performers ages 13-19, directed by Near West’s artistic director Trinidad Snider, will delve into the timelessness of the message his breakout in the mid 50s sent to teenagers: a message about freedom, lack of inhibition and exploring new possibilities.
The play, set in 1955, reinvents the Elvis myth.
“Loosely based on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, this hip-swiveling, lip-curling musical fantasy will have you jumpin’ out of your blue suede shoes with such classics as ‘Heartbreak Hotel,’ ‘Hound Dog,’ ‘Jailhouse Rock,’ and ‘Don’t Be Cruel,’” they promise, evoking the freshness and excitement of a 20-year-old Elvis.
Admission is pay-what-you-can with a suggested donation of $15.