All Shook Up - Redlands, New South Wales.

Redlands is one of Australia’s most dynamic and exciting independent schools, with an enrolment of over 1550 students. The music of classic rock star Elvis Presley and the plot of William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night were brought to life in front of a full house by Redlands students who dazzled on stage in the Australasian premiere of All Shook Up. There was an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement as the cast performed the Broadway hit on the Australian stage for the first time on Wednesday. The students staged All Shook Up written by of internationally acclaimed playwright, Joe DiPietro over four nights – attracting large audiences. The performers used song and dance to tell the story of a young woman named Natalie (played by Year 12 student Bianca Nati) who lives in a small country town with dreams of hitting the road. While working as a mechanic she meets Chad, a charismatic rebel (Year 11 student Nic Creecy) and immediately falls for him. Every year Redlands students have the opportunity to take part in the musical as part of the School’s extensive performing arts program.

Originally published in Stage Whispers May / June 2008