The legendary Elvis Presley wisely stated, “Sad thing is, you can still love someone and be wrong for them.”  This adage perfectly portrays the plot of the rock and roll musical All Shook Up hits the Hope Summer Repertory Theatre stage beginning June 21.

Inspired by the legendary songs of Elvis Presley® such as Heartbreak Hotel, Love Me Tender, Don’t Be Cruel, Can’t Help Falling in Love, and, of course, the title tune, All Shook Up.  Secret crushes and fiery passion are awakened in a small town when a mysterious leather-jacketed, guitar-playing stranger arrives to spread the magic of romance and the power of rock & roll.  Inspired by and featuring the songs of Elvis Presley® with the book by Joe DiPietro, All Shook Up runs at the DeWitt Theatre (141 E. 12th Street) at 8:00 pm on June 21, 22, 28, July 10, 11, 17, 22, 25, 30, and August 2, 7, 10.

The musical centers around the romantic misadventures of Natalie, a young mechanic stuck in middle America searching for love and adventure.  When Chad, a mysterious roustabout, drives into town on his motorcycle, Natalie is immediately smitten.  However, the course of love never does run smooth as Natalie attempts to win the affections of her rebellious heartthrob.  Although whirlwind romances and deception sweep the town into frenzy, true love ultimately emerges for all.

Playing the role of Natalie is Grace Stockdale (Oro Valley, AZ), a current senior BFA Musical Theatre Major from Ithaca College who is making her HSRT debut.  Also making his debut is her leading man Joseph Bigelow (Minneapolis, MN), a recent graduate of the University of Minnesota/Guthrie BFA Actor Training Program.  

Supporting cast includes Michael Williams (Houston, TX) as Dennis, Michael Hanna (Minneapolis, MN) as Dean, Chip Duford* (Flint, MI) as Jim, Joseph Byrd (Holland, MI) as Sheriff, Allison Morse (Cleveland, OH) as Miss Sandra, Sierra White* (Chicago, IL) as Silvia, Olivia Puckett (San Diego, CA) as Lorraine, and Anita Jo Lenhart (Memphis, TN) as Mayor Matilda.  The ensemble includes: Celeste Rose (Rancho Palos Verdes, CA), Kate Colburn (Holland, MI), Lydia Blickley (Grand Rapids, MI), Bernell Lassai (Chicago, IL), Darnell Pierre Benjamin (St. Martinville, LA), Alyssa Magarian (Cincinnati, OH), Chris Alexey Diaz (Orlando, FL), Nick Selting (Laramie, WY), and Matt Madden (Newtown, CT). (*Members of Actors Equity Association)

All Shook Up will be directed by David Colacci, who is also serving as HSRT’s Artistic Director.  David has a long history with Hope Summer Repertory Theatre; this year marks his 28th season with the company and 22nd as the Artistic Director.  As a Director, he has led productions of Children of Eden, Into the Woods, Godspell, As You Like It, Twelfth Night, Romeo and Juliet, and I Hate Hamlet.  In addition, David has performed as Charlie in The Foreigner, Mark in Art, Lenny in Rumors, Oscar in The Odd Couple, Orgon in Tartuffe, Uncle Jack in Dancing at Lughnasa, Archibald in The Secret Garden, and John Adams in 1776.  During his nine years as a resident artist at Cleveland Play House, he directed the world premiere of Bright Ideas by Eric Coble and Murphy Guyer’s Infinite Regress of Human Vanity.    David has performed at theatres nationwide for nearly 40 years, including The Old Globe in San Diego, The Actors Theatre of Louisville, the Guthrie in Minneapolis, and Boston’s New Rep Theatre.  He has won numerous awards as a narrator of audio books, including two Audie nominations.

The production team for All Shook Up is as follows: Stage Manager Allyson Namishia, Scenic Designer Kristin Ellert, Lighting Designer Stephen Sakowski, Costume Designer and Costume Shop Manager Jessica Leslie, Sound Designer Amanda Werre, Props Master Wyatt Heatherington Tilka, Charge Artist Aaron O’Neill, and Master Electrician Krystal Martinez.   

Take advantage of Hope Summer Repertory Theatre’s best ticket offer and purchase a season ticket package.  A season ticket package saves patrons up to 27% off individual ticket prices and guarantees a terrific seat for every performance.  With free exchanges, purchasing a season ticket package is the best way to support HSRT.  Season packages are now on sale at the DeWitt and the new 8th Street ticket offices.

The Season Pass Package includes mezzanine seating for four main stage performances and our bonus show for only $87 for adults and $82 for seniors.  The Best Buy Package includes admission to the four main stage productions for $67 for adults and $62 for seniors.  The Super-Saver Package includes seating limited to the balcony and orchestra for our four main stage productions for $50 for adults and seniors.

The Children’s Pass Package is great for children under 12 and includes tickets to both CPT performances and one ticket to a main stage musical for $25.  The Adult CPT Package is great for a parent for it includes a ticket to both CPT performances and one main stage performance for $40.  Add an additional performance and pay $60 for our Bonus Adult CPT Package.

Individual tickets are now on sale at the DeWitt Ticket Office (141 E. 12th Street) from Monday through Friday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm and beginning June 15 Saturdays from Noon – Intermission.  Our new 8th Street Ticket Office (100 E. 8th Street – Main Level) is open Monday through Friday 10:00 am – 5 pm.  Prices range from $12 - $28 for All Shook Up.  Patrons can purchase individual tickets online by visiting hope.edu/hsrt or calling 616-395-7890.