Can you believe the "New Theatre Restaurant" is on its 17th successful season? All you have to do is go once and you will see why.

Every time I go, I feel I have gotten more entertainment and five star food than I paid for. If you haven't gone, go if you can get a ticket, most shows sell out as soon as they are announced. But, call and ask if there are cancellations; they'll work with you.

Kansas City Magazine says it's the "Best live theatre in greater Kansas City." The Wall Street Journal goes even further by saying, "The best dinner theatre operation in the country." That says it all. But, I might add, the décor and ambiance are spectacular.

The show we saw was "All Shook Up." It is a musical comedy Broadway hit that combines humor and your favorite Elvis Presley songs with a great rock ‘n roll story. All Shook Up tells the romantic take of how a young girl's dream comes true when a guitar-playin', Harley ridin' mystery man blows into a square little town and turns it up-side-down with his hip-swivelin', lip curlin' and sexy cong singin'. This extremely well done hot rod musical took Broadway by storm and will have you jumpin' out of your blue suede shoes. Solid gold Elvis Classics like Heart Break Hotel, Burning Love, Jail House Rock, Blue Suede Shoes and Don't be Cruel, plus many more are done in a fabulous presentation that will touch your memories and heart.

There are many great solos by some talented entertainers. Don't miss the solo by Sylvia, played by Deidra H. Brooks. It will make you fell like you are at Carnegie Hall. So, c'mon Olathe – It's time to get All Shook Up!

This is a great way to end the evening after fabulous dinner, some of the five star cuisine is BBQ pork shoulder in an apple cider marinade, slowly smoked over Cherry wood and served in Birthta de Blues BBQ sauce which is a creation of one of the season ticket holders. Or, try the grilled flank steak, which has been marinated over night in a brown sugar-whiskey marinade and served with a bourbon scented veal demi-glace. White Roughy is also served along side a fresh dill aioli. Does this make your mouth water or what?

There are a lot more offerings to choose from so enjoy yourself. But leave room for some of the best dessert delicacies in town. You might want to try the fresh strawberry napoleon. It is layered with lightly sweetened, fresh strawberries, Tahitian vanilla bean whipped cream and tender, flaky puff pastry, served in a pool of fresh strawberry sauce with a dusting of confectioner's sugar. Wow! It, and the fabulous food, are worth the price, but you get a Broadway show, too. What a great way to spend an evening. See you there!

Call 649-SHOW for Tickets or visit www.newtheatre.com. They are in Overland Park at 9229 Foster, just off Metcalf and just south of 91st Street.

Review by:
Gary DeVault, Johnsons County Gazette