All Shook Up

Despite the ‘Beast from the East’, impacting on performances at the start of the week, the Society picked itself up, dusted itself down and delivered a fabulous production.  From principals down to chorus members there was not a weak link on the stage. In this his first leading part in a musical, Patrick Rafferty excelled as the hip-swivelling, guitar-playing roustabout Chad.  Being instantly smitten to win Chad’s attention, Megan Daly provided an impressive performance as Natalie Haller with Gerry Jamieson appropriately cast as her Dad, Jim. Derrick Pearce brilliantly characterised the part of Dennis with a great accent and Lorraine Keenan absolutely nailed the part of Sylvia to perfection.  Eileen Clifford was well cast as Mayor Matilda responsible for passing laws to ban ‘excitement’ and Kim McCluskie provided a great performance as Miss Sandra with other great performances from Ashley Stewart (Lorraine), Todd Forrest (Dean) and Colin McKinley (Sheriff Earl).  Choreography was slick and solos, ensembles and choral work was of the highest standard throughout.  In particular the beautiful choral presentation of ‘I Can’t Help Falling in Love’ which closed act one and also in the numbers ‘There’s Always me’ (Sylvia), ‘If I Can Dream’ (Chad, Lorraine, Dean, Hyde & ensemble) and ‘Fools Fall in Love’ (Natalie and company).  Given the unfortunate set-backs the society experienced, this show was certainly worth the wait!

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