College puts Elvis twist on classic play
Light-hearted and fun, Tauhara College’s latest production ‘‘All Shook Up’’ is based on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.
However, the romantic comedy has been given an Elvis twist – in the script, costumes, and songs.
The play runs on Sunday July 2 Monday July 3 and Tuesday 4
Production manager Jane Saunders said the play was set in 1950s America.
‘‘The main character, Chad rolls into town on his motorbike and starts all sorts of love triangle situations,’’ she said.
‘‘It’s really more of a love dodecahedron, with the main characters Chad, Natalie, Dennis and Miss Sandra all becoming involved.’’
Recently released from prison, Chad is a hip-swiveling, guitar-playing roustabout [labourer]. He is played by 17-year-old Jono Kidson.
When his motorbike breaks down, Chad meets young mechanic Natalie [played by Monique Doig]
Natalie dreams of love, adventure and she yearns for one true love to take her away.
However, she doesn’t realise that her best friend Dennis [played by Fergus Byett] has a secret crush on her.
‘‘Dennis is nerdy, quirky guy, who is seeking to be accepted. He’s an aspiring dentist from the town,’’ Byett said.
Smitten with Chad, Natalie dresses up as a boy [Ed] to impress Chad and get close to him.
Chad and Ed become good friends, but Chad doesn’t realise Ed is, in fact, Natalie.
Chad meets the fourth main character – Miss Sandra – and quickly falls for her.
Miss Sandra, the prim and proper museum curator, is played by Michaela Pointon.
‘‘She loves to be in love. She ends up falling for everyone,’’ Pointon said.
Directed by Sue Goldsmith, the play features Elvis Presley songs and a number of dancing numbers.
ALL SHOOK UP: Sunday July 2, Monday July 3 and Tuesday 4 at Tauhara College hall, starts 7pm. Tickets $20 for adults, $18 for students, seniors and children. Tickets from My Music Taupo and Tauhara College office