Eleanor Roosevelt High School’s production of the Elvis Presly-centered musical All Shook Up the the Mustang Theatre began on April 25th and delivered a phenomenal night of entertainment. Featuring a soundtrack packed with Elvis’s greatest hits and lively performances of those songs, the show sets the tone for an energetic and fun night under the direction of David Ireland and choreography by Victoria Villamil.

Set within a small town in 1950s America, All Shook Up follows Chad, played by Joseph Sanchez, a young rebel who rides into a small town and turns everything upside down in a place where music and dancing are forbidden by their mayor Matilda Hyde, played by Paige Bayle. Meanwhile Natalie, played by Sydney Lauren Barlett, who is a young resident of the town, finds herself caught up in the excitement that Chad brought along with him. As the town’s residents confront their own desires for love and adventure, the story unfolds with love triangles, mistaken identities, and of course Elvis Presley!

Leading the show were Sydney Lauren Barlett as Natalie Haller and Joseph Sanchez as Chad, Both delivered outstanding performances. Joseph's portrayal of Chad perfectly captured the rebellious charisma that the character represents, keeping the story exciting and engaging. Sydney’s performance was equally strong, making her character’s yearning for something more than her small-town life feel genuine and relatable.

A heartwarming highlight came from the pairing of Dean Hyde, played by Brady Shimono, and Lorraine, played by Jay Reynolds. The subplot that developed alongside the main action was sweet and tender, and their chemistry was undeniable. Brady added depth to Dean’s character, showing the silent struggle of being repressed by his overbearing mother, while Jay’s performance as Lorraine brought their budding romance to life with charm

The production’s heart and craftsmanship were shown in every detail, from the performances to the technical design. Every set piece was built by the technical crew students, with support from the friends and family of the Mustang Theatre. Notably, the large bridge that dominated the back of the stage was constructed by the “Drama Dads,” a group of supportive parents who brought the vision to life. The love, passion, and community effort behind All Shook Up was clear in every moment of the show.

As the story built towards its climax, everything the characters had been struggling with, their secret crushes, hidden dreams, and rebellious urges all came crashing together in a series of satisfying and heartfelt reveals. The tension between the characters unraveled beautifully. Watching all the characters find their way through the chaos feels incredibly rewarding. The energy, humor, genuine emotion, and musical moments, tied the entire production together.

The next showings of All Shook Up at Eleanor Roosevelt High School's Mustang Theatre range from May 1-3, 2025. You can find tickets for the show on the ERHS BookTix Page.

You can view more photos from the show on our Flickr page!