'All Shook Up' in Tamaqua
LISA PRICE/TIMES NEWS From left, Tamaqua students Alysa Schappell, George Hegedus and Andrew Delpais perform during a dress rehearsal for "All Shook Up."
Love, and the music made popular by Elvis, will be in the air this weekend at the Tamaqua Area School District Auditorium as the Tamaqua Area Drama Club presents "All Shook Up."
Set in a dreary Midwestern town in the 1950s, the two-act musical centers around the search for true love, tossed with a little rebellion, and is loosely based on Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night."
It premiered on Broadway at the Palace Theatre on March 2, 2005.
The production centers around Chad (Andrew Delpais), a guitar playing roustabout recently released from prison; Natalie (Alysa Schappell), a small-town girl looking for true love; Dennis (George Hegedus), Natalie's friend who's secretly in love with her; Jim (Jake Gursky), Natalie's widowed father; Sylvia (Sarah Jones), owner of the town's honky tonk; Miss Sandra (Zoe Snyder), glamorous museum owner; Loraine (Hannah Betz), Sylvia's 16-year-old daughter; Mayor Matilda Hyde (Aimee Hull); Dean (Spencer DePue), the mayor's 16-year-old who's spent most of his life in military boarding school; and Sheriff Earl (Zachary Deem).
Chad disrupts the quiet in the town when he roars in on his motorcycle and sets hearts afluttering.
He's determined to shake things up when he realizes there's no real nightlife or excitement in town, due to the "Mamie Eisenhower Decency Act," which prohibits loud music, public necking and tight pants.
Chad tries to incite a little rebellion and creates a love triangle (or two) while waiting for Natalie to repair his wheels so he can leave the dusty town behind.
The show features many of Elvis' biggest hits, from the up-tempo "Jailhouse Rock" to the ballads "Can't Help Falling in Love" and "Love Me Tender."
The productions features a cast and crew of 89 students in grades six through 12 and is directed by Adriane Drum.
Musical director is Kristine Betz, with Erika Cassell as choreographer and assistant director.
Carolyn Ritchie is the scenic director; Caitlin Miller is in charge of hair, makeup and costumes; and Ruth Gardiner is stage manager.
The drama club will present three performances: 7 p.m. on Friday; and at 1 and 7 p.m. on Saturday.
Ticket prices will be $8 for students and $10 for adults.
Doors to the auditorium will open one hour before each show.
Patrons who arrive early will be able to visit the '50s through a variety of activities, such as a trivia contest, and enjoy root beer floats.
