All Shook Up

About the show

This synopsis is based on the current licensed version Somewhere in the Midwest in the summer of 1955, Chad, a guitar-playing roustabout, is released from a week in jail ("Jailhouse Rock"). In a nearby dreary little town, a young mechanic named Natalie Haller yearns for love and adventure, unaware that her best friend Dennis has a crush on her. Sitting in Sylvia's Honky-Tonk, the townspeople lament their feelings of loneliness ("Heartbreak Hotel"), before getting interrupted by the roar of a motorbike; Chad has arrived in town ("Roustabout"). In need of a mechanic, Chad is introduced to Natalie, who is instantly smitten ("One Night With You"). Upon learning that Mayor Matilda Hyde and the silent Sheriff Earl enforce the Mamie Eisenhower Decency Act, outlawing "loud music, public necking, and tight pants", Chad seeks to incite rebelliousness in the citizens ("C'mon Everybody"). Whilst Natalie repairs his motorbike, Chad inspires her to take to the open road ("Follow That Dream"). Chad recruits Dennis as his sidekick. The newly-formed duo meets the town's museum owner, Miss Sandra, whom Chad instantly falls in love with. He attempts to smooth-talk her, but she resists ("Teddy Bear/Hound Dog"), retreating to the Honky-Tonk where Natalie's widowed father, Jim Haller, also falls for her. Matilda's teenage son, Dean Hyde, declares his love for Sylvia's daughter, Lorraine. Chad encourages their blossoming relationship, much to Sylvia's dismay ("That's All Right"). Matilda demands that Dean be sent away on a bus to a military academy. However, Dean disobeys his mother to stay in town with Lorraine ("It's Now or Never"). Desperate for Chad's attention, Natalie disguises herself as a bearded man named 'Ed' to grow closer to him ("Love Me Tender"). Ed dramatically rides into town, with Chad instantly dropping Dennis as his sidekick in favor of him ("Blue Suede Shoes"). Jim receives romance advice from Chad, both unaware they seek the same woman ("Don't Be Cruel"). Under Chad's orders, Ed visits the museum to give Sandra a Shakespearean sonnet, which Dennis had previously suggested, though Sandra unexpectedly finds herself attracted to Ed. Flustered, Ed tries leaving, but Sandra is intent on seducing him ("Let Yourself Go"). Matilda, appalled that Dean has stayed in town to be with Lorraine, vows to arrest Chad due to his influence. Ed suggests that Chad should hide in the town's abandoned fairgrounds to evade capture. Jim, now with extra confidence, condemns Sylvia for having grown so bitter and gives her a very surprising kiss. Soon, everyone in town finds themselves escaping to the fairgrounds, desperate for someone to love ("Can't Help Falling in Love"). In the abandoned fairgrounds, the townspeople each search for their love ("All Shook Up"). Dennis reveals to Natalie that he's upset about the way Chad treats her, but she disregards his concerns ("It Hurts Me"). Disguised as Ed, Natalie attempts to bond with Chad by asking for advice on seducing a woman, but accidentally kisses him in the process ("A Little Less Conversation"). Chad and Jim discover they are both pursuing the same woman: Sandra, who is lustfully searching the fairgrounds for Ed ("The Power of My Love"). Chad quickly realizes that he, too, has feelings for his new sidekick ("I Don't Want To"). Meanwhile, Matilda and Earl are hunting for the elusive roustabout ("(You're the) Devil in Disguise"). Jim, heartbroken that Sandra doesn't care for him, comes across Sylvia, who confesses her feelings for him ("There's Always Me"). Dean and Lorraine plan to leave town, but they run into Chad, who convinces them to stay and fight for their love ("If I Can Dream"). Chad, Dean, and Lorraine confront Matilda. Earl finally breaks his silence, denying Matilda's orders to arrest Chad and instead confessing his love for her. With a newfound acceptance for love, Matilda allows Dean and Lorraine to remain together, as does Sylvia ("Can't Help Falling in Love (Reprise)"). Chad bravely confesses his feelings for Ed, who reveals his true identity as Natalie, causing Chad to leave town abruptly. Dennis takes the opportunity to confess his long-time crush to Natalie, who kindly rejects him. However, he and Sandra realize a common admiration for Shakespeare and subsequently fall for one another. Left alone with her father, Jim, Natalie reconciles with Chad's absence ("Fools Fall in Love"). The next day, a triple wedding takes place: Jim & Sylvia, Matilda & Earl, and Dennis & Sandra. Chad makes an unexpected return to the town, interrupting the wedding and declaring his love for Natalie. She decides to pursue her dreams with him and hit the open road together. The brides and grooms marry while the town celebrates ("Burning Love"). After the bows at curtain call, the cast sings one last song ("C'mon Everybody (Encore)").