Can’t Help Falling in Love with This Electrifying Production

Sarah Jean Mergener as Natalie/Ed (center) and the cast of All Shook Up at Sunset Playhouse. Photo credit: George Katsekes.

A review of All Shook Up

by Ava Sabel, age 16

Are you a fan of Elvis Presley? Do you love a feel-good romantic comedy packed with energy, charm, and iconic music? Then All Shook Up at Sunset Playhouse is absolutely worth your time! This lively production delivers a whirlwind of romance, humor, and unexpected twists that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish.

The story kicks off when a roustabout named Chad (played by Brad Skonecki) rides into a quiet, small town and turns everything upside down. Natalie (Sarah Jean Mergener), a talented mechanic, quickly finds herself falling for him. Meanwhile, her loyal best friend Dennis (Nick Sweet) has feelings of his own for Natalie, creating part of a layered love story that adds both emotion and humor to the plot. By the final curtain, the town is full of unexpected pairings.

With a cast this strong, everyone makes their mark on the audience. The entire ensemble brings impressive vocal talent and infectious enthusiasm, making every number a joy to watch. Standout performances from Sarah Jean Mergener, Brad Skonecki, Madeline Goodwill, and Nick Sweet elevate the show even further. You can genuinely see how much fun they’re having performing these classic Elvis hits, which makes the experience even more enjoyable for the audience. One of the most memorable moments is "Can’t Help Falling in Love," delivered with stunning vocal power and placed perfectly as the Act One finale, leaving you eager for what’s next. Kudos to music director, Mark Mrozek, for an impressive job!

The choreography by Abby Rasmussen is another highlight. It fully embraces the vibrant 1950s aesthetic, matching the spirit and rhythm of each song. Numbers like "Heartbreak Hotel," "C’mon Everybody," and "Devil in Disguise" are particularly dynamic, blending precision with playful energy. 

Visually, the production also shines, thanks to the work of the scenic team, composed of Katie KJ Johnson (designer), Shannon Franklin, Leslie Stanger, Duane Bauer and A.J. Simon. The set design is both creative and functional, featuring a second level, two sets of staircases, and a fireman’s pole. This pole is a highlight of the scenic design, cleverly used throughout the show to add variety, movement, and excitement.

Overall, this is a high-energy, crowd-pleasing production that rarely slows down. While the runtime is on the longer side, there’s so much happening, both musically and dramatically, that it never feels dull. If you’re looking for a fun, upbeat night at the theater, All Shook Up at Sunset Playhouse is a fantastic choice, running now through May 10th.