The story takes inspiration from the comedies of William Shakespeare, particularly Twelfth Night,[1] and explores themes such as authoritarianism, homosexuality, and segregation.

Directed by Christopher Ashley, with choreography by Ken Roberson, the original Broadway cast included Cheyenne Jackson (Chad), Jenn Gambatese (Natalie Haller/"Ed"), and Jonathan Hadary (Jim Haller).

[2][3][4] The US National tour played 35 cities in September 2006 – 2007, directed by Christopher Ashley, and featuring Joe Mandragona as Chad, and Jenny Fellner as Natalie.

The production starred Mica Paris as 'Sylvia', Sian Reeves as ‘Mayor Matilda Hyde’, Shaun Williamson as ‘Jim’ and Ben Lewis as ‘Chad'.

This synopsis is based on the current licensed version Somewhere in the Midwest in the 1950s, Chad, a hip-swivelling, guitar-playing roustabout, is released from a weekend in jail ("Jailhouse Rock").

In a nearby dreary little town, a young mechanic named Natalie yearns for love and adventure, unaware that her best friend Dennis has a crush on her.

Sitting in Sylvia's Honky-Tonk, the townspeople lament their feelings of loneliness ("Heartbreak Hotel"), before getting interrupted by the roar of a motorbike; Chad has arrived in town ("Roustabout").

Upon learning that Mayor Matilda and the silent Sheriff Earl enforce the Mamie Eisenhower Decency Act, outlawing "loud music, public necking, and tight pants", Chad seeks to incite rebelliousness in the citizens ("C'mon Everybody").

The newly-formed duo meet the town's museum owner Miss Sandra, whom Chad instantly falls in love with ("One Night With You—Chad”).

He attempts to smooth-talk her, but she resists ("Teddy Bear/Hound Dog"), retreating to the Honky-Tonk where Natalie's widowed father, Jim, also falls for her ("One Night With You—Jim”).

Dressed as a leather-jacketed roustabout, Ed dramatically rides into town, with Chad instantly dropping Dennis as his sidekick in favor of him ("Blue Suede Shoes").

Under Chad's orders, Ed visits the museum to give Sandra a Shakespearean sonnet, which Dennis had previously suggested.

Disguised as Ed, Natalie attempts to bond with Chad by asking for advice on how to seduce a woman, but accidentally kisses him in the process, leaving the two of them stunned ("A Little Less Conversation").

Some time later, a triple wedding consisting of Jim & Sylvia, Matilda & Earl and Dennis & Sandra takes place.