Musical ‘All Shook Up’ celebrates being alive

by Sterling Blackwell

 Fruitland High School’s production of “All Shook Up” is an evening of fun for musical theater lovers. The jukebox musical, with several Elvis Presley hits set by Joe DiPietro to a loose adaptation of “Twelfth Night,” proves Elvis and the Bard are a winning combination. 

 Opening Nov. 18 and running for one weekend only at the Four Rivers Cultural Center and Museum in Ontario, Ore., community members will not want to miss this show.

 A sleepy 1950s town is forever changed when Chad comes riding onstage with his motorcycle, leather jacket, jeans and blue suede shoes. By the second act, life has come back to the little town, and everyone is eagerly pursuing their love interest, learning in the end that real love conquers all.

 The script is charming and filled with humor that will keep you giggling the whole way through. With familiar moments of “Footloose,” “Hairspray” and “Grease,” this musical has it all. 

 Recognizing the importance of being safe, and still following safety standards, all patrons will be required to wear a mask for the duration of the performance. For those unable to wear a mask, the performance will also be Live Streamed so people can watch from the comfort of their own homes.

 Students have been working fiercely all semester to prepare for this show, while still balancing their other responsibilities in school, sports, marching band, youth groups, and home. With a set designed by Blackwell and built and painted by a new stagecraft class offered at Fruitland High School; the students have stepped up to make this show possible at every part. 

 “I’ve loved getting to see students get involved backstage that love theater, but don’t want to be on stage,” says Blackwell. “We have a lot of talent that is just beginning to bud and I’m excited to see how they grow in the years to come.”

 Tickets are available for purchase online from www.Re.Theater for $10. Online ticketing closes 2 hours before show for in person tickets at which time you’ll need to go to the box office at the theater to purchase your tickets. If attending in person is not possible for you, or if you would prefer to view it from afar, please consider purchasing a Live-Stream Ticket of the performance for $20 per pass. 

 The performances will be held Nov. 18, 19, 20 at 7 p.m. with a matinee on Saturday at 1 p.m.