ST. FRANCIS HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE CAMPS PRESENT "ALL SHOOK UP"
WHEATON–Loosely based on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, “All Shook Up” is known as a hip-swiveling, lip-curling musical fantasy featuring such classics as “Teddy Bear,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Hound Dog,” and “Jailhouse Rock.”
Directed by St. Francis High School alumna, Jackie Martin ’11, the summer musical production was part of a long list of summer camp offerings at St. Francis High School. For the past fourteen summers, St. Francis High School's Summer Musical Camp has helped students advance their theatrical skills through acting, singing, and dancing. This year, the cast and crew comprised of nearly 80 students entering grades 7-12 from a variety of local schools.
"We chose All Shook Up for this summer musical because it is a light-hearted comedy." said Jackie Martin, Summer Musical Camp Director. "We also were excited to introduce another time period to students (1950's) and knew that they would enjoy the costumes and mannerisms of the time. Packed with songs by Elvis Presley, this musical encourages audiences to take risks, challenge the status quo, and fall in love. This story also highlights the importance of having supportive relationships that help us reach our dreams."
The musical was a familiar one for the St. Francis community as it was performed ten years earlier as the 2011 Spring Musical. In celebration of the ten year anniversary of the school's production, many of the original cast members from the 2011 show-which included Director, Jackie Martin and Assistant Director/Producer, Sami Ramos-came back to their alma mater to attend the performance and offer their support.
"My favorite part about directing this summer was spending time with the students and enjoying the return of live summer theatre at St. Francis." adds Jackie. "I am so thankful for the opportunity to work with all of these talented students!"
The wealth of student talent stretched beyond performance as many played an integral role in show's production. Under the direction of Summer Musical Stage Crew Director, Brandon Lewis, students learned and assisted in theatrical stage crew basics; set design, building, painting, and decoration, lighting, sound design, prop design, and costuming. Additionally, students gained hands-on experience as part of the summer musical running crew which coordinates backstage work during tech rehearsals and each performance.
The St. Francis High School summer musical production of “All Shook Up” was held July 16-18, 2021.
