Published: June 30, 2009 10:42 am      

HOT's musical to inspire whole lotta shakin'

Huntington — Huntington Outdoor Theatre will present the new musical “All Shook Up,” which centers around the most memorable music of Elvis Presley.

“All Shook Up is really Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night’ meets Elvis,” Helen Freeman, president, artistic director and stage director of the show, said. Set in the 1950s, it’s a classic tale of misplaced love, with a social message that love can conquer social prejudice.

“Also, sometimes what we really want is different from what we think we want,” Freeman said. “This show has such wonderful music and Patti Freeman has outdone herself when it comes to the choreography — the dancing is amazing. Not only is the show upbeat and exciting, but also it is extremely funny. We wanted to present a show this summer which would allow people to forget all the pressure of the real world and escape for a few minutes into a simpler time.”

HOT will present a pay-what-you-will preview at the final dress rehearsal today. The preshow will begin at 7 p.m. and the main show — “All Shook Up” — at 8:30 p.m.

“All Shook Up” will be performed Friday, Saturday and Sunday and July 17, 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26 at the Ritter Park Amphitheater. Tickets are $16 for general admission and $14 for 65 and older and children 5 to12; children younger than 5 are admitted free.

Groups of 20 or more will be admitted for $14 if all tickets are purchased at the same time. Tickets include a $1 surcharge for the Greater Huntington Parks and Recreation District. Tickets can be purchased beginning at 6 p.m. at the gates on the nights of the show. Tickets are also available at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena Box Office and Borders Books and Music in the Huntington Mall. The gates open at 6:30 p.m. for picnicking or concessions are available. The pre-show starts at 7 and the main show begins at 8:30 p.m. Bring lawn chairs.

For more information, call Patti Shaver at (304) 523-8080 or visit hotwv.org.