IF YOU GO* What: “All Shook Up.”* When: 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday.* Where: South Jackson Civic Center, 404 S. Jackson St., Tullahoma, Tenn.* Admission: $10.* Phone: 931-455-5321.* Note: Hot dogs and fixings will be served one hour before showtime; cost is $5.
Playwright Joe DiPietro borrows a familiar story in his jukebox musical “All Shook Up,” setting elements of Shakespeare’s comedy “Twelfth Night” to an Elvis Presley soundtrack.
Similar to “Mamma Mia!” or “Across the Universe,” “All Shook Up” uses 26 of Presley’s biggest hits to tell the story of a small-town girl with big dreams who falls for a motorcycle-riding rebel.
But Natalie must overcome many obstacles on her path to true love with Chad. Among them: Chad’s swoon-inducing effect on other women, the secret crush who yearns for Natalie and the mayor who prohibits tight pants, public kissing and loud music.
The all-American musical plays this weekend in Tullahoma, Tenn., as a joint production of the South Jackson Civic Association and Community Playhouse. In the lead roles are Sarah Witherspoon and Kevin Mead.
To complete the all-American experience, the theater will serve a meal of hot dogs, chips, drinks and cookies an hour before each show. The cost is an additional $5 over the $10 ticket price.
DiPietro, a two-time Tony winner for “Memphis” last Sunday, also was inspired by “The Music Man,” “Brigadoon” and “As You Like It” for this high-energy tale, according to producers. Among the show’s nonstop hits are “Love Me Tender,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Hound Dog,” “Don’t Be Cruel” and “Burning Love.”