When I originally saw the Broadway bound musical "All Shook Up" featuring 24 songs from Elvis Presley's Graceland music library, it was January 2005 and the show was being tested out in Chicago at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, before heading to the Big Apple.

And okay, I have to confess.

I didn't like this show when I first saw it three years ago.

In fact, when I looked up my old review of it in our archives, I was pretty rough on it, including one line of prose that I wrote stating after watching it, I felt like I was "choking on a fried peanut butter and banana sandwich," a reference, of course, to one of the King's favorite snacks.

I guess I was just very disappointed that so much money and energy had been put into a production that I felt was very weak.

And since both Lisa Marie Presley and Priscilla Presley had given their blessings and permission for the green light to develop "All Shook Up," I was expecting something that just wasn't satisfying.

But my experience Wednesday night at Marriott Theatre Lincolnshire in Lincolnshire, Ill. serves as proof that every show, movie, musical, play, book, deserves a second look.

Running through Dec. 7 at the Marriott Theatre, Chicago's favorite director and choreographer Marc Robin, has definitely worked his magic on "All Shook Up."

He's gathered together a terrific cast of talent, which is definitely one of the reasons this two hour show seemed to sail right along at a great pace, despite the intimidation of sitting through 24 Presley tunes woven into a story.

On the subject of the story and plot, the three year gap since I was last "all shook up" watching this show has NOT changed the fact that this tunes-inspired tale continues to have a very weak and silly premise.

Described as "a modern Rock 'n Roll version" of William Shakespeare's romantic comedy "Twelfth Night," "All Shook Up" is set in a conservative Midwestern town in the summer of 1955.

Chad, played to the top-notch hilt by the terrific Tyler Hanes, is a motorcycle ridin', rovin' guy, referred to most of the time as a "roustabout," after he pulls into this small town.

Sweet and salty Natalie, played by Jessie Mueller, is a mechanic at a local gas station, falls madly in love with Elvis-channeling character Chad and hopes to hit the open road with him to "Follow that Dream." But the mayor of the town, played with lots of prickles by the always on-the-mark Paula Scrofano, believes he's the "Devil in Disguise," and looks to put a stop to his rock 'n roll.

I know, I know...sounds familiar?

As I've said in the past, this plot is basically a knock-off of the 1984 Kevin Bacon film "Footloose," dowsed in Elvis Presley music in an attempt to string a story and characters together via the same formula which works so well with "Mamma Mia!."

But follow my lead and suspend any judgement while I explain just why I DID enjoy this version much more than the stage tragedy I witnessed three years ago.

Robin has fun with these characters and treats the show as more of an over-the-top romp rather than trying to make it a meaty tribute to Presley's songs, which it really isn't.

The songs are tweaked and re-envisioned, but the basics are there.

So, if you allow yourself to become lost in the moment and swept up in the silliness of the moment, this is the show for you.

Just watching Hanes ham it up in homage to Elvis, while showcasing his perfect pipes, classic facial expressions and dialogue reactions and very capable dancing, makes this ticket worth the price.

True, the costumes, sets, story and props are minimal.

But the talent is as true blue as those famous suede shoes.

Tickets are $40 to $55, with dinner packages available. FYI: (847) 634.0200 or marriotttheatre.com.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at ppotempa@nwitimes.com or 219.852.4327.

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