The musical All Shook Up, inspired by and featuring the songs of Elvis Presley and from the book by Joe Dipietro, will be presented by the North Central High School Drama Club on April 21-23 in the school’s auditeria. It is presented through special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide.
Chad (Nathan Traxler) is ready for release after spending a week in jail. He jumps on his motorbike and rides into a nearby town. His bike begins to act up so he stops at a local mechanic’s shop, where he meets Natalie (Makayla Hayes), the grease-monkey daughter of owner Jim (Kaleb Faler). Natalie falls hard and fast for the roustabout, but he only has eyes for Miss Sandra (Alyssa Swank), the local museum director. Natalie’s best friend Dennis (Kaleb Geiser) and Dennis’s best friend, Sheriff Earl (Zac
Turner), think that Chad seems to spend his time hanging out with the guys, so Natalie decides to dress as “Ed” to get close to Chad. Dennis and Earl are first chosen as Chad’s sidekicks but they give it up for Ed to take it over to be with Chad.
Meanwhile, Dennis continues to pursue Natalie as he’s convinced she is his one true love. Jim lays eyes on Miss Sandra and declares she is the woman for him. Sylvia (Makayla Rizor) owner of the run down local hang-out for barflies (Jessica Cheesbro and Jessi Cummins) and the “social gathering place” for the rest of the town, is doing her best to keep her daughter Lorraine (Trystan Yoder) in line, but Lorraine has fallen for Dean (Ryan France), the cadet son of self-righteous Mayor Matilda Hyde (Allyson Hutchison) and rich owner of the town’s museum. These two young lovers escape to the abandoned fairgrounds to hide out until they can elope early in the morning.
Sylvia pursues Jim who pursues Miss Sandra. Miss Sandra longs for Ed, who as Natalie, longs for Chad who wants Miss Sandra, too! Are you confused yet?
The rest of the cast support comes from the women’s ensemble of Megan Laney, Kelsie Sutton, Tiffany Echler, Vada Lashaway, Kirsten Helinski, Addie Elser, Sidney McKarns, Madyson Bonney, Morgan Mitchell, Emilie Eustace, Taylor Fenicle, Ashlyn Helms, Eryn Shaw, and Kailey Siebeneck. Filling roles in the men’s ensemble are Nick Henry, Brock Zuver, Josh Roesener, Steven Williams, Josh Bailey, Layne Cogswell, Hayden Haas, Jack Bailey, Michael Cummins, and Levi Williams.
Making the show run smoothly are student directors Nick Henry and Brock Zuver along with crew members of Derek Morris, Makayla Knapp, Hunter Wilson, Josh Wehrle, Colton Schmunk, Nathan Stembridge, Jerry Welch, Austin Echler, Sydni Peel, Kimmy Knepper and Macie Willson.
The pit band includes Isaiah Livensparger, student percussionist this year, along with returning guitarists Joy and Paul Gruetter and Sharon Deetz at keyboard and directing the music. Other adults giving so generously of their time again in helping with ticket sales, production, costumes, and technical aspects are Robert Doster, Marcia Geiser, Dustin Campbell, Kendra Ely, Travis Creek, Linda Cochran and Julie Taylor. Ashley Kimpel and Jaymie Lashaway are doing hair and makeup. The amazing set was designed and created by Dave Deetz, Brittany Deetz Harris, and Rich Meyers. Cast and crew pictures were provided by Lori Moore. Without the support of these amazing adults and the parents of our cast and crew, this musical journey would not be possible!
In the style of a 1950’s Elvis movie musical, complete with a whole lotta shakin’, singin’, and dancin’, the story all works out in the end with a few twist and turns for the star-crossed lovers. So come join us to let your toes tap, your fingers snap, and your hands clap as you are ready to be ALL SHOOK UP! Show times are 7:30 p.m. on both April 21 and 22 with a 2:30 start on April 23. Doors open an hour in advance of each show. Presale tickets are available now. Tickets will also be available at the door. For prices or information, email mgeiser@northcentralschool.org or call 419-737- 3403 or 419-737-2581.
INFORMATION PROVIDED