SYNOPSIS
Act One
Somewhere in the Midwest in the 1950s, Chad, a hip-swivelling, guitar-playing roustabout, is being released from prison (“Jailhouse Rock”).
In a nearby dreary little town, Natalie, a young mechanic, is dreaming of love and adventure while she years for one true love to take her away, but she doesn’t realize that her best friend Dennis has a secret crush on her (“Love Me Tender”). Sitting in Sylvia’s, the local cafe, the whole town sings the blues (“Heartbreak Hotel”). Natalie’s widowed father Jim enters and joins in, until they’re interrupted by the roar of a motorcycle: it’s Chad (“Roustabout”). Chad is in need of a mechanic and he’s introduced to Natalie, who is instantly smitten (“One Night With You”) and promises to fix his broken-down bike.
Chad inquires about excitement in the town, and soon discovers that Mamie Eisenhower Decency Act, outlawing “Loud music, public necking, and tight pants. (“C’mon Everybody”).
Natalie, in an attempt to look more attractive to Chad, puts on the only dress she owns. Chad asks Dennis to become his sidekick and Dennis accepts. Soon, glamorous Sandra appears, and Chad is instantly in love with her (“One Night with YHou”) – reprise). Chad tries to smooth-talk her, but she resits (“Teddy Bear/Hound Dog”).
Later that day, Natalie enters Sylvia’s in her greasy dress. When Sandra enters, and Jim also falls for her (“One Night with You” – reprise).
Dean, the son of Mayor Earl, enters into town (Blue Suede Shoes”). It is Natalie, dressed as ‘Ed’. Chad is excited, and he immediately asks Ed to be his new sidekick. Chad gives Jim a much-needed lesson in coolness (“Don’t Be Cruel”).
Ed arrives at the museum and gives Sandra the sonnet. Sandra is so moved by the sonnet that she finds herself drawn to this strange-looking young man (“One Night with You” – reprise). Ed tries to leave, but Sandra is intent on seducing him (“Let Yourself Go”).
Mayor Earl is cracking down on the immoral behaviour. He comes upon a couple kissing, and he’s stunned to see that it’s Dean kissing Lorraine. Dean and Lorraine run off into the night.
Soon, everyone in town find themselves escaping to the fairgrounds, searching for somone to love (“Can’t Help Falling in Love”).
End of Act One
Act Two
In the midst of the abandoned fairgrounds, the citizens of the town are restless and randy (“All Shook Up”).
In an attempt to win Chad, Natalie convinces Chad to teach her (as Ed) how to seduce a woman (“A Little Less Conversation”)>
Ed gives Chad some “alone time”, and Chad realizes that he has feelings for his new sidekick (“I Don;t Want To”).
In another part of the fairgrounds, Mayor Earl enters, followed, as always, by the silent Sheriff Matilda, and he vows to bring the roustabout down (“Devil in Disguise”),
A heartbroken Jim wanders about and runs into Sylvia, who is wearing her best Sunday dress (“There’s Always Me”).
In another part of the grounds, Dean and Lorraine plan to catch the morning train out of town (“If I Can Dream”).
Matilda speaks for the first time and professes her love for Earl. In his newfound acceptance of young love, Dean and Lorraine are allowed to be together (“Can’t Help Falling in Love – reprise”). Ed confesses his love for Chad, but he then takes off his hat and reveals to everyone that he is actually Natalie. Dennis and Sandra realize a common love Shakespeare and subsequently fall in love with each other (“One Night with You” – reprise).
The last scene is a triple wedding. The brides and grooms marry and everyone celebrates falling in love (“Burning Love”)
End of Musical
