Emmanuel Cockrell, junior theater education major, belts out Elvis’ “Jail House Rock,” at rehearsal, Friday, Oct. 4. He will be preforming in the 2013 homecoming musical, “All Shook Up”, which premieres at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 10, in Albert Taylor Hall.
Alex Hammerschmidt/The Bulletin
The 41st annual Homecoming musical, Joe DiPietro’s “All Shook Up,” will premiere at 7:30 p.m. tonight in Albert Taylor Hall. It will run through Oct. 13.
The jukebox musical romantic comedy inspired by William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” features renditions of the music of Elvis Presley.
“The best part is that I’’s a scholarship musical,” said Aubrey Near, senior communication major and stage manager for the show. “All of the proceeds of the Homecoming musical go to student scholarship funds.”
Near said Emporia State Theatre saw an increase in attendance during the summer season and has high expectations for attendance at the Homecoming musical. She said nearly 700 high school students will be visiting ESU on Wednesday night to view a sneak peak of the show.
“The show is really funny, and I like that there are definitely different personalities for each character,” said senior theatre major Annie Rosenbrook, who also plays Sandra.
Ethan Platt, senior music major, who also plays Dennis, said “All Shook Up” is “a well-timed musical comedy.”
Kayce Holoubek, a community member playing Natalie, said she auditioned after a read-through of the musical.
“I laughed so much,” Holoubek said. “There is something to laugh at in every part.”
Near said the homecoming musical is “very extensive scenery-wise,” but is driven by the music and comedy.
“It’s the Mamma Mia of Elvis,” Holoubek said. “There are more musical numbers than people in the cast – lots of jumping on tables and dancing around.”
Cast members began rehearsals about a week after audition callbacks. Rosenbrook and Holoubek said there were issues with the tables breaking during rehearsals, which became subject for comedy.
“We’re terrified of jumping up on the tables,” Holoubek said. “They’ve broken on a couple people.”
Rosenbrook said, however, that they have more sturdy tables for the show.
“The funnest part of doing this in particular is that everyone in this production is really tight knit,” Near said. “Plus, it’s all Elvis music and it’s just really fun.”
“I think anyone can come in and have a good time,” said Kylie Geiman, senior theatre major, who also plays Lorraine. “It’s music everyone can recognize.” Tickets for the show are $15 for premium seating, $12 for standard tickets and $8 for standard junior tickets (ages four through high school). Call 620-341-6378 for more information or to reserve tickets.
Source:
http://www.esubulletin.com/2013/10/10/15631