In Sunday's Spotlight section I have an interview with Laurie Pessano, director of the new Good Company Players production of "All Shook Up" at Roger Rocka's Dinner Theater. Here's a continuation of the interview:

What's the most challenging part of directing this show?

I think my biggest challenge as a director has been to make sure we achieve an honesty of character and relationship but still retain the spirit of total playfulness inherent in the script and music.

Talk a little about your production team. What look and feel are you trying to achieve in the show?

Now that we've passed our first tech/dress rehearsal, I can safely say that the entire production team has been on the same page from the start. From the first read-thru, everyone has said -- with occasional surprise -- 'it's really fun!'. And it's true -- the choreography, vocal styling, costumes, sets, lights and orchestrations are all just plain fun. Every aspect of design is full of color, humor and movement.

The big momma of jukebox musicals, of course, is "Mamma Mia," which just played in Fresno. Will audiences see a resemblance?

Audiences will certainly see a resemblance. Same concept: take lots of really great songs and write a story to showcase them. Both shows remind us why we loved that music in the first place. Both shows successfully blend tuneful nostalgia with fresh, lighthearted stories and high-energy choreography.

I know that "All Shook Up" opened close to the same time on Broadway as "Good Vibrations," based on Beach Boys songs. "All Shook Up" got a much more positive critical reaction than "Good Vibrations," which got some atrocious reviews. What do you think makes a good jukebox musical?

I think music makes a good jukebox musical. I love the Beach Boys, but perhaps selecting music with enough variety was a challenge. Of course I didn't see that show and I often think reviewers don't know what they're talking about -- perhaps they were way off and GOOD VIBRATIONS was fabulous!

Talk a little about your cast.

I really love my cast. It's not a big group, but they are vocally mighty and are a good team. It truly is an ensemble show. All the cast members sing back-up at one time or another and the ensemble may have more to do than the principals! This does not diminish the principals, however, who are all strong vocalists and actors as well as right for their roles and charming to watch. There is also a real excitement among the cast right now. They know they're about to kick some butt. It's been a delight working with them.

Regarding the younger members of the cast: How much did they know about Elvis when rehearsals began? Do they see him as sort of a vague historical figure, or do they still connect?

To tell the truth, I just assumed everyone in the cast knew who Elvis was. If they seemed not to understand a trademark move or attitude, I recommended an Elvis movie. If they didn't know who he was to begin with, they should by now. I know I got a big kick out of watching some of those old flicks as part of my own homework. Oscar material he was not, but there was something about him, wasn't there? I think his appeal is pretty timeless.

Is "All Shook Up" based on Shakespeare's "12th Night"? If so, is that fact acknowledged in the show, or is it just an added bonus if you happen to know the play?

Yes, the writer of ALL SHOOK UP borrowed a bit of the plot from old Bill. After all, Shakespeare borrowed ideas from other writers himself, so I think he'd approve. TWELFTH NIGHT is not directly mentioned in the show but there are a few quotes straight from the bard himself. If you know TWELFTH NIGHT, you'll recognize some of the characters and the conventions of mistaken identity, cross-dressing, and downright bawdiness that Shakespeare favored in his comedies. If you don't know TWELFTH NIGHT it won't matter one little bit -- there's no quiz at the end of the night! You'll just have a great time and go home singing about blue suede shoes, burnin' love, jailhouses, teddy bears and hound dogs.

Anything else you'd like people to know about the show?

You don't want to miss it.