WADESBORO —The Ansonia Theatre in is gearing up for its next production as the music of Elvis comes alive in “All Shook Up.”
Inspired by Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” the show follows a small Midwestern town that is thrown into a frenzy with the arrival of Chad, played by Carson Traywick of Marshville, a good-looking, motorcycle-riding roustabout, who rides from town to town with a guitar on his back, blue suede shoes on his feet, and a song in his heart.
Repressed by their conservative mayor, the town begins to come alive once more under Chad’s influence. Lovers meet, woo, pursue, and more, all in one zany night that will change the town forever. “All Shook Up” is a rocking, heartwarming tale about following dreams, opening up to love, and the power of music.
Director Tommy Wooten saw the original Broadway production and it became one of his favorite shows of all time. He has assembled an incredible cast of 23 actors from four different counties: Anson, Union, Chesterfield, and Richmond.
The cast includes Kimberly Smith as Natalie, Jennifer Boswell as Sandra, Kianna Ellerbe as Sylvia, Mike Railton as Jim, Matthew Thompson as Dennis, Amiya Griffin as Lorraine, Brice Billingsley as Dean, Karen Johnston as Mayor Hyde, and Chip Long as Earl.
The ensemble includes Amanda Moss, Ayla Perkins, Cleve Baxley, Greyson Helms, Mark Traywick, Charley Williamson, Miraqule Stansberry, Nekeisha Lindsey, Paige Mercer, Persia Harrison, Donnie Lewis, Rachel Skipper and Terra Medlock.
Smith describes her character as a “tomboy” kind of girl, who is a mechanic at her dad’s shop. She states that the musical can give the audience the feeling of falling in love again and that there is never a dull moment.
Thompson says his character is a geeky, nerdy type of guy who wants to fit in with the guys and has his eye on a “true love” in the show. Thompson said he is loving this show, adding it has a lot of twists and great music.
Boswell says her character is the “Marilyn Monroe” of the town whom a lot of the men are lusting after. Boswell said she loves the music in the play and the ‘50s style it has.
Billingsley’s character is the mayor’s son and he goes to a military academy, so he is kind of plain at first but later on finds love and really becomes himself. Billingsley said he enjoys the dancing in the musical and the fact that the cast has become like a family.
The show runs March 8-17, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at ansoniatheatre.com or by calling 704-694-4950.
Tommy Wooten contributed to this story.
