FORT MYERS, Fla. — Attention Elvis Presley fans: get ready to swivel your hips, tap your toes, and snap your fingers as All Shook Up bursts onto the stage at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Fort Myers.
This jukebox musical is not about the life of Elvis, but rather an Elvis-like character named Chad, played by Austin Wicke, who carries the familiar swagger and spirit of Elvis Presley, without being a dead ringer for the King of Rock ’n’ Roll. Wicke performs a majority of the 27 popular Elvis tunes throughout the show, including favorites like “Jailhouse Rock,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” and “Hound Dog.” The ensemble cast also shares many of the hit songs.
Wicke has a rich, smooth baritone that doesn’t quite match the full versatility of Elvis, but he is still a joy to watch on stage. At times, he could benefit from a bit more vocal projection, as he occasionally gets covered by the big, 1950s-style orchestra, though that orchestra, led by conductor Drew Scott, is one of the best I’ve heard in the theater in quite some time…