Is there anything better than a live show? The answer to that, of course, is "no, Marta, nothing better." (Except for maybe a fresh, hot pastelito de guayaba, but that's not important right now.)

Eric and and I went to see the BEST show at the Laguna Playhouse last night. Loosely based on Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, All Shook Up (book by Joe DiPietro)  is the first show of the 2016- 2017 season at the Playhouse. 

Truthfully, I wasn't sure what we were in for. The ads shout: "All Elvis! All Hits!" But I couldn't quite wrap my head around The Music of Elvis Presley® in an original show. 

Loosely, the synopsis is a young girl's dream and a surprise visit from a mysterious, leather-jacketed, guitar-playing, stranger help a small town to discover the magic of romance and the power of rock & roll. All tied together with the music of Elvis.

In the capable hands of Director Steve Steiner, with Musical Direction by Jeff Biering and Choreography by Paula Hammons Sloan this wonderful musical comedy has lots of belly laughs, plenty of clap-and-sing along moments, and a wonderfully intricate will-they-or-won't-they love story. 

I was going to single out my favorite character in the show, but as Eric and I discussed on the way home, we couldn't decide on just one. All of their portrayals were so spot on. The songs were beautifully performed and there was so much collective talent on one stage. It made the show truly unforgettable. Also, we may or may not have sung"Burning Love" all the way home - but that's not important right now, either.  

If you find yourself in Laguna Beach, make plans to see All Shook Up. You can thank me later.