“We’ve done ‘Grease’ twice before, and I did not want to try it out for a third time, but I still wanted a fun show set in the fifties for the cast,” said Carol Mathews, the drama department head. “I saw ‘All Shook Up’ on Broadway and knew that it would be perfect for Costa.”
The show is, indeed, a great pick for the cast, but there have been a few challenges concerning the numerous Presley songs. Elvis is known as the King of Rock, and all of the students involved in the show want to do his songs justice.
“Elvis Presley was extremely talented,” said Buster Baer, who plays Chad, the main character. “I want to do his songs justice, so I’m trying really hard to give it my all. Hopefully everyone likes it on opening night.”
‘All Shook Up’ follows the Elvis Presley-like character, Chad, during a short period of time as he passes through a small town where rock n’ roll and dancing is outlawed. He uses his gift with music to help the town become more fun and upbeat.
“The show is really fun,” said Kelianne Safarik, one of the lead actresses. “It’s just a silly feel good show that everyone who is participating really likes. The only problem is that there hasn’t been enough time to get everything just right. I’m sure we’ll get it by opening night, though.”
During one of their final practices, the cast was doing great, there were a few minor staging and technical problems, but by the end of practice, the show was really taking shape.
“The play is loosely shaped around Elvis Presley’s life, and Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night,’” said Mathews. “It’s a show that provides a lot of opportunities for people to participate.”
The full cast and crew consist of students from all grade levels. Many of the cast members have participated in previous shows at Costa and other playhouses, but some are new to acting and performing in front of large audiences.
“A lot of the cast members have matured and grown into their characters, especially Maurice Welch,” said Sawyer Fuller, an actress in the show. “During tryouts, he was turning his back to the director and speaking to the stage, but he has really progressed. His voice is so beautiful, and he’s really become a good actor.”
When watching the cast practice, it seems that they have been singing their whole lives, but it’s the exact opposite for Buster Baer.
“I practice a lot because I haven’t sung as much as the other cast members,” said Baer, “but I think I’m doing well, and my other cast mates and coaches help me a lot.”
“We’re all very close to with each other. It’s like we’re brothers and sisters,” said Fuller, “we all walk around backstage goofing off and having fun. We’re like one big happy family that helps and fights with each other.”
“In the beginning, the show was a little boring and kind of bad,” said Ron Yadin, an actor in the show, “Now everyone is really stepping up their game and perfecting their parts because, no matter what, the show is going to open in a few days.”
“Everyone is really trying hard to make the show the best it can be,” said Molly Curtis, a hair and make-up artist, “I know I’m practicing really hard to make sure that when everyone’s on stage, they look their best.”
All Shook Up opens tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. in the Mira Costa High School Auditorium, 1401 Artesia Blvd., Manhattan Beach. Performances, this Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. as well as next Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., with matinees this Saturday and next, April 30. Tickets, $12 adults; $10 seniors, students, and children. Available at the door or by going to miracostadramaboosters.org. ER
