CROSSVILLE —
There aren’t too many things I love more than Elvis and the Cumberland County Playhouse. Combine the two, and all the "Kentucky Rain" in the world isn’t going to ruin my day. We saw All Shook Up! at CCP, and if this production doesn’t make you want to jump up out of your seat and sing and dance, nothing will. It is a vocal explosion of mega magnitudes with ripple effects all across the area.
This main stage play, under the expert direction of John Briggs, is well acted, well sung and well danced. It centers around a young, good looking musician named Chad, who rides his motorcycle into a small town and creates “ a whole lot of shaking” up of the people and their lives.
This high energy musical, based on the songs of the late King of Rock and Roll, has enough attitude to make an NBA team jealous and the perfect mix of song, dance, love and comedy.
The leads are perfectly cast and perfectly played by Cumberland County High School graduates Austin Price as the uber cool Chad and Leila Nelson as the sassy Natalie. Both Price and Nelson are, as they say in the business, triple threats. They have cut their acting and dancing chops at CCP, and their vocals were fine-tuned at CCHS, where Price’s mother, Kathy, was their advanced choir instructor. They will sing and dance their way into your hearts as a male roustabout and a female mechanic.
Price and Nelson are surrounded by a stellar cast, most of whom are CCP resident actors, with more talent than a Hollywood casting call. Look for the lovely and talented Weslie Webster as Sandra; the always spot-on Daniel Black as Dennis; and vocal powerhouses JoAnn Coleman, Willa Bost, Lauren Marshall and Dee Hill. Greg Pendzick as Dean and Michael Ruff as Sheriff Earl round out this cast of characters with their onstage antics, vocal abilities and comedic flair.
Last, but certainly not least, and coming from someone who loves seeing actor Jason Ross play any, and I do mean, any role, this may be his very best performance ever. The reason? This comedic actor showcases something he rarely does: his vocal abilities. Ross, as Jim, nails his vocal performances every single time… as does every other lead in this show. Watch for "Can’t Help Falling in Love," one of the best musical blends of voices you have heard in a long time.
I would be amiss if I didn’t mention the ensemble cast, sets, costumes, sound and lighting. The singing and dancing ensemble group is amazing, providing the lift and tork for many of the dances and backup vocals. My husband, who rarely comments on the set design, was complimentary of the '50s style sets complete with an onstage motorcycle ride, a '50s soda fountain and a museum so realistic you won’t believe your eyes.
These marvelous sets are at the hand of the artistic Christien Fontaine, while the music and sounds were compiled by music director Ron Murphy and sound designer Ryan Haderlie along with their co-worker Weston Wilkerson working his magic with the lights. This play wouldn’t be this play, without the bright, colorful and period based costumes. The exquisite poodle skirts on the girls and requisite “greaser” looks on the boys add just right the flourish to this '50s era musical.
My only criticism of this production: it isn’t long enough! Actually, it is standard length, but it is so much fun, you just don’t want it to stop! The good news is the cast does an encore sing-along with the audience after their bows, allowing playgoers to literally dance in their seats.
If you want to see it, do not procrastinate. It is selling out almost every show. Contact Cumberland County Playhouse for show times and ticket prices at 484-5000.
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Cumberland County students will get a long weekend. They are out Friday and Monday for the Easter holiday. Numerous local businesses will also be closed Friday as they celebrate the Good Friday holiday.
A barbeque dinner and all the “fixins” will be hosted Saturday, April 14, at First United Methodist Church in Crossville to raise money for the online show The Missing. Developed, created and maintained by Cumberland County Sheriff’s Deputy Scott Davis, this online production features photos and shows of missing children on its website of www.themissing.tv. Tickets for the fundraiser are $10 with all monies going to help find missing children. There will be a silent auction. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. on April 14.
Lifestyles
AROUND THE TOWN: Whole lot of shaking going on at Playhouse
- Lifestyles
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PLATEAU GARDENING: Watch for rhododendron borers and carpenter bees
Inspect rhododendron shrubs showing wilted or dead branches. In early February I noticed one of the main stems on a rhododendron by my driveway had broken off. Thinking a photo might make a good illustration for an article on pruning to remove damaged limbs, I took a picture with my digital camera. However, when enhancing the image, two oval holes with the longer part aligned lengthwise on the stem caught my eye. One was right at the break, the other further down. Those holes looked like borer damage.
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Veterans a big part of Fair Park
The week before Veterans Day, Fair Park Senior Center interviewed some of the folks at Fair Park Senior Center who had served the country in the service. Over 70 men stated they had served and one woman. Giving up a lot to serve, sharing that common bond, only they can understand. No matter which branch or which war, they all share a deep passion for this country.
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PLEASANT HILL RAMBLINGS: Neilson in concert May 31
The award-winning folk singer Tom Neilson will be bringing his message of “Music for Social Change” to Pleasant Hill, on Friday, May 31, at 7 p.m. in the Pleasant Hill Community Church, UCC.
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Events planned at Cumberland Mtn. State Park
Cumberland Mountain State Park has several special programs planned. All programs are considered PG-13, which means parental guidance is recommended.
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Lots of choices promised for Roan Mtn. hike
The Plateau Chapter of the Tennessee Trails Association holds a leaderless hike every Wednesday morning. These are typically five to seven miles in length. For additional information, contact Bill Harris at 484-9152 or visit the Plateau Chapter Blog at http://ttaplateauchapter.blogspot.com.
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AROUND THE TOWN: Welcome summer with a few good books
The unofficial start to summer begins this weekend with the Memorial Day Holiday. Although summer does not officially begin until June, for most of us, this first warm weather holiday is the preview of about three months of boating, fishing, camping, vacationing, picnics, family reunions and cook outs.
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Schatz named May artist of the month at PCAC
Jessica Schatz, the artist of the month at the Plateau Creative Arts Center, has been an artist for as long as she can remember. She also remains busy as an interior designer, specializing in staging and new construction, and is also a pet portrait photographer. In addition, she donates her photography services, photographing homeless pets in order to help them find homes.
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Folksinger to perform May 31 in Pleasant Hill
The award-winning folk singer Tom Neilson will be bringing his message of “Music for Social Change” to Pleasant Hill, on Friday, May 31, at 7 p.m. in the Pleasant Hill Community Church, UCC. The Shalom Center for Continuing Education, a non-profit educational center is sponsoring this appearance of the nationally well-known artist.
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127 Seniors plan for annual picnic
On May 17, the members of the 127 South Senior Center had an enjoyable time socializing and playing bingo, dominos and billiards. Numbers were called by John Bohrman, with the prizes furnished by Dr. M. Stewart Galloway, M.D.
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Pleasant Hill Ramblings: Pleasant Hill Elementary honors volunteers
Mary Ann Kotus-Huff, principal of Pleasant Hill Elementary School (PHS), recently welcomed volunteers to the annual Volunteer Tea. It was held in the gaily decorated new all-purpose room of the new annex. Volunteers were treated to sandwiches, fruit, cheese and crackers and cupcakes.
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