3 STARS, August 16-26. An ambitious mix of Shakespeare and Elvis showing at Hill St Theatre
Anything that ambitiously blends the plot of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night with a lavish dollop of Elvis Presley music surely has to be sampled so full credit to Edinburgh Little Theatre for tackling such an unlikely theatrical proposition. In terms of sheer dynamism the talented young cast cannot be faulted and it’s this brio that largely redeems the show, their effervescence making up for what is sometimes an uneven production.
Charismatic roustabout Chad arrives in a conservative Midwest American town , determined to shake things up and bring his own brand of musical magnetism to bear on the straitlaced town. Firmly committed to remaining fancy-free somehow he manages to fall in love, a plight that afflicts nearly everyone in the town once the musical force of Elvis Presley is unleashed.
On the whole the likeable principals do a pretty good job, the actors playing Chad, Natalie, Jim and Miss Sandra in particular being competent singers and actors who have lots of fun with the cross-dressing, hip-swivelling plot. The show’s choreography could certainly do with a generous injection of zest and some of the ensemble look rather bewildered throughout, but despite these glitches it’s impossible not to enjoy the cast’s endearing commitment to the show, their energy a force to behold.
Tickets: tickets.edfringe.com
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