All Shook Up

From the opening number “Jailhouse Rock” to the final “Burning Love” this show is full of toe-tapping, singalong melodies – especially for those audience members of at least a “certain age”.

Ashleigh Butchart as love-seeking mechanic Natalie Haller delivers a polished performance right from the start. Her fine singing voice being a perfect aid to her excellent performance. Chad (Michael McLean), Jim (Ben McLeary) and Sylvia (Sarah Thomas) all gave excellent accounts of themselves, and I look forward to seeing them in the adult company when the time comes for them to move on.

Mayor Matilda Hyde (Terri Morrison) and Sheriff Earl (Ryan Cunningham) both interacted well, with Earl following Matilda around and failing to get a word in edgeways!  However one of the stars of the show must be Alex Morrison as the lovesick Dennis, without difficulty endearing himself to the audience! The ensemble acquitted themselves well as required throughout the show.

Technically, the simple set worked for this production. Perhaps some more thought could be given to lighting, however, it is not the easiest of venues to successfully light in.  Sound by Accent Audio was well balanced with no gremlins apparent the afternoon I attended.

Congratulations to Director, Iain Hughes, Musical Director, Alan Gibson and Choreographer, Jemma Guild, for giving this young cast the benefit of their years of experience. A great show for a youth company, especially one in which numbers are heavily biased towards girls.

Well done GAMA Youth!

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