All Shook Up: A comedy and musical weaved into a great story
The Norwich Theater Company is proud to present its production of “All Shook Up,” a musical comedy built around various songs made famous by Elvis Presley. Showtimes are 7 p.m., Sept. 6-7, and 2 p.m. Sept. 8 at the Chenango Arts Council’s Martin W. Kappel Theater, 27 West Main Street in Norwich.
Director and costume designer Carolyn McMaster - who has been involved with theater since the 1980’s - describes the production as one that is not only extremely fun but has an engaging plot that addresses social issues and deals with them straight-on.
The cast of roughly 20 has been on quite a ride for the past nine weeks, according to McMaster.
“The cast has truly been a pleasure to work with,” McMaster said. “The depth of talent, be it singing, acting or dancing, is very strong across the board.”
The musical begins with Chad - portrayed by Jon Stockton of Norwich - who comes into a quiet, sleepy town, described as nowhere and everywhere at the same time.
“Chad is a roust-a-bout who comes in and shakes the whole town up,” said Stockton.
Natalie - played by Jes Sheldon of Norwich - is “one heck of a mechanic” who instantly falls for Chad.
McMaster said while All Shook Up is a musical filled with Presley tunes, the storyline incorporates William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” the musicals “Bye Bye Birdie” and “Mamma Mia.”
“There is a lot of music, dancing and acting,” added Sheldon. “The lyrics of the songs move the storyline. It’s almost like the songs were written for the musical, but it’s the other way around.”
“It is an extremely well-written script,” said Stockton. “The way the music moves the plot along is really great, it is so hard not to be excited.”
The youngest member of the large cast is nine years old, said McMaster, who added the show is appropriate for adults and families. The content of some of the lyrics of the music suggest the show would be considered “PG” and younger and older audiences alike should enjoy the performance.
The two leads, Stockton and Sheldon, are no strangers to performing or musical theater. Stockton stated he began performing almost two decades ago, and Sheldon began her stage career at the age of nine.
“All Shook Up” is Stockton’s first return to the stage after a seven-year hiatus, and Sheldon - while having performed many singing gigs with various bands - hasn’t acted in a musical in about ten years.
With all the performances they have been in, this will be the first time the two share the stage with one another.
As the show takes place in 1955, McMaster said her role as costume designer was somewhat difficult.
“There is a definite look for the 1960s, and that’s pretty easy to design,” she said. “The 1950s, of course, had a definitive look as well, but it’s been harder to find costumes to fit that era.”
The cast has rehearsed tirelessly, sometimes four times a week, and now closer to showtime they are rehearsing daily in preparation for the big weekend.
“We’ve put in long hours, but that energy from the audience the nights we perform ... the people to draw from, nothing beats it,” said Stockton.
Sheldon added, “When I have my ‘stage face’ - or makeup - on, that’s when the transformation is complete, then the lights and the audience ... I’m ready to go.”
All three extended gratitude to Dave Burch, the music director who has put together the pit band for the performance.
“I don’t know what we’d do without him,” said Sheldon.
Stockton added, “He really found some great local musicians, and they really add a lot to the whole show.”
Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling In Love With You” ends the first act, according to McMaster, and she said the entire ambiance of that part is truly moving.
“I get chills every time,” said Sheldon. “And I’ve done it many, many times.”
McMaster added, “I am absolutely thrilled about the quality of this cast. Not only are Jon and Jes incredibly talented, but the comedic chemistry sets a culture for the entire cast. There is just tremendous upbeat cooperation.”
“There is no ‘I’ in cast,” added Sheldon wittingly. “We all work together.”
Added Stockton, “It’s just a really funny, entertaining show, and the cast is filled with big personalities. It is just so engaging and the comic energy is undeniable.”
Gratitude was also extended to Breanne Krutcher, the show’s choreographer, and to Rich Heim of the Norwich Theater Company for all of his hard work and also to Zoe Lamphere, the stage manager.
The cast, dubbed amazing by the show’s director, includes: Nick Tyler as Jim; Marty Kuhn, Sylvia; Steve Emmons, Dennis; Meredith Cathcart, Miss Sandra; Jessica Richardson, Mayor Matilda Hyde; Ryan DeTomi, Dean Hyde; Craig LaForte, Sheriff Earl; and an ensemble including: Chris Dumond, Brittni Francher, Robin Dumond, Terry Colf, Tyler Stockton, Vicki Smith, Diane Waters, Courtney Ericksen, Connie Silverbrand, Erica Tyler, Cameron Richardson, Colby Richardson and Emma Richardson.
Tickets for “All Shook Up” are $12 advance sale and can be purchased at The Northeast Classic Car Museum, the Chenango Arts Council or online at norwichtheatercompany.org. Norwich Theater Company Members can get tickets for $10. Tickets will be available at the door the day of the show for $14.
Director and costume designer Carolyn McMaster - who has been involved with theater since the 1980’s - describes the production as one that is not only extremely fun but has an engaging plot that addresses social issues and deals with them straight-on.
The cast of roughly 20 has been on quite a ride for the past nine weeks, according to McMaster.
“The cast has truly been a pleasure to work with,” McMaster said. “The depth of talent, be it singing, acting or dancing, is very strong across the board.”
The musical begins with Chad - portrayed by Jon Stockton of Norwich - who comes into a quiet, sleepy town, described as nowhere and everywhere at the same time.
“Chad is a roust-a-bout who comes in and shakes the whole town up,” said Stockton.
Natalie - played by Jes Sheldon of Norwich - is “one heck of a mechanic” who instantly falls for Chad.
McMaster said while All Shook Up is a musical filled with Presley tunes, the storyline incorporates William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” the musicals “Bye Bye Birdie” and “Mamma Mia.”
“There is a lot of music, dancing and acting,” added Sheldon. “The lyrics of the songs move the storyline. It’s almost like the songs were written for the musical, but it’s the other way around.”
“It is an extremely well-written script,” said Stockton. “The way the music moves the plot along is really great, it is so hard not to be excited.”
The youngest member of the large cast is nine years old, said McMaster, who added the show is appropriate for adults and families. The content of some of the lyrics of the music suggest the show would be considered “PG” and younger and older audiences alike should enjoy the performance.
The two leads, Stockton and Sheldon, are no strangers to performing or musical theater. Stockton stated he began performing almost two decades ago, and Sheldon began her stage career at the age of nine.
“All Shook Up” is Stockton’s first return to the stage after a seven-year hiatus, and Sheldon - while having performed many singing gigs with various bands - hasn’t acted in a musical in about ten years.
With all the performances they have been in, this will be the first time the two share the stage with one another.
As the show takes place in 1955, McMaster said her role as costume designer was somewhat difficult.
“There is a definite look for the 1960s, and that’s pretty easy to design,” she said. “The 1950s, of course, had a definitive look as well, but it’s been harder to find costumes to fit that era.”
The cast has rehearsed tirelessly, sometimes four times a week, and now closer to showtime they are rehearsing daily in preparation for the big weekend.
“We’ve put in long hours, but that energy from the audience the nights we perform ... the people to draw from, nothing beats it,” said Stockton.
Sheldon added, “When I have my ‘stage face’ - or makeup - on, that’s when the transformation is complete, then the lights and the audience ... I’m ready to go.”
All three extended gratitude to Dave Burch, the music director who has put together the pit band for the performance.
“I don’t know what we’d do without him,” said Sheldon.
Stockton added, “He really found some great local musicians, and they really add a lot to the whole show.”
Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling In Love With You” ends the first act, according to McMaster, and she said the entire ambiance of that part is truly moving.
“I get chills every time,” said Sheldon. “And I’ve done it many, many times.”
McMaster added, “I am absolutely thrilled about the quality of this cast. Not only are Jon and Jes incredibly talented, but the comedic chemistry sets a culture for the entire cast. There is just tremendous upbeat cooperation.”
“There is no ‘I’ in cast,” added Sheldon wittingly. “We all work together.”
Added Stockton, “It’s just a really funny, entertaining show, and the cast is filled with big personalities. It is just so engaging and the comic energy is undeniable.”
Gratitude was also extended to Breanne Krutcher, the show’s choreographer, and to Rich Heim of the Norwich Theater Company for all of his hard work and also to Zoe Lamphere, the stage manager.
The cast, dubbed amazing by the show’s director, includes: Nick Tyler as Jim; Marty Kuhn, Sylvia; Steve Emmons, Dennis; Meredith Cathcart, Miss Sandra; Jessica Richardson, Mayor Matilda Hyde; Ryan DeTomi, Dean Hyde; Craig LaForte, Sheriff Earl; and an ensemble including: Chris Dumond, Brittni Francher, Robin Dumond, Terry Colf, Tyler Stockton, Vicki Smith, Diane Waters, Courtney Ericksen, Connie Silverbrand, Erica Tyler, Cameron Richardson, Colby Richardson and Emma Richardson.
Tickets for “All Shook Up” are $12 advance sale and can be purchased at The Northeast Classic Car Museum, the Chenango Arts Council or online at norwichtheatercompany.org. Norwich Theater Company Members can get tickets for $10. Tickets will be available at the door the day of the show for $14.
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