(Posted March 3, 2016)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
“You’re going to know all of the songs, so you can sing along with us. And there are a lot of plot twists that will catch you off-guard.”
That’s the pitch Emily McCubbin said she’d give to anyone interested in attending Southeastern High School’s production of “All Shook Up,” a musical inspired by and featuring the songs of Elvis Presley. Showtimes are 7 p.m. March 11 and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. March 12. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for students.
McCubbin is one of a large group of seniors whose experience in previous shows serves as the foundation on which this year’s production is built.
“This show is fun and light-hearted with lots of dancing and fun music,” said Kelly Gootee, who co-directs with Laura Madden. “Our seniors are fantastic. We thought this would be a good one for their last year. Many of them have been in shows all four years of high school.”
Set in the 1950s, the storyline centers on Chad (played by senior Jacob Hitt), a roustabout who comes to town after being released from prison. Local girl Natalie (senior Jillian Channell) falls in love with the newcomer, but his attention goes to the flashier Miss Sandra (junior Madelyn Acton). In an attempt to get close to Chad, Natalie disguises herself as “one of the guys.”
“This is just one of the many over-lapping love triangles in the story and, of course, everyone ends up with the right person in the end,” Madden said.
McCubbin’s character, Sylvia, owner of the local honky tonk bar, is caught up in one of those triangles. She has eyes for Natalie’s widowed father, Jim (junior Jacob Cryder), but alas, Jim is also smitten by Sandra.
McCubbin said she likes the role because it stretches her acting chops and gives her a chance to play someone who is mean. Hitt feels the same way about his role.
“I definitely like how my character gets to be a bad boy because that’s the opposite of my personality… My personality is nice, weird, and not a bad boy at all,” he said.
Hitt said this year’s cast is on top of their game, nailing down material and dance routines early in the rehearsal process. He said the leads are a tight-knit group, and the chorus gets to be a big part of the show with lots of song and dance numbers. The total cast count is 45.
Among the many Elvis favorites on the show’s song list are “Love Me Tender,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” “C’mon Everybody,” “It’s Now or Never,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” “I Can’t Help Falling in Love” and, of course, “All Shook Up.”
For more about the show, call the high school at (937) 462-8308. The school is located at 195 E. Jamestown St., South Charleston.
