Carle Place students have been channeling the spirit of the King recently, as they prepare for their upcoming student-run production of All Shook Up.
The jukebox musical based on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night features music from Elvis Presley, and audience members will probably find themselves singing along with more than a few of the show’s tunes.
“I thought the music was really fun, both for the cast and also the people watching it,” said director Sam Morales, who said she picked the show after seeing it performed at a community theater.
Morales has been involved with the student run productions since seventh-grade and this is her first year stepping into the role of director. The senior has been both onstage and backstage, and said taking the helm has been a rewarding experience. However, this year presented a special challenge for the cast and crew, as renovations in the high school lobby displaced the students, who were used to practicing in the auditorium.
“We practiced in the cafeteria and people’s houses. We’ve built sets at people’s houses and painted in the art room. The kids have worked so well with us and we’ve gotten everything done,” said producer Pragna Krishnamurthy. “When the lobby is done, the play will go right on the stage.”
The musical, about a small-town in the 1950s which gets turned upside down after the arrival of a musical jailbird, features romance, comedy and catchy numbers including “Jailhouse Rock,” “Love Me Tender,” “Blue Suede Shoes” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”
The cast and crew of 100 sixth through 12th-grade students are responsible for everything from directing, producing, acting, lighting, sound and more. Krishnamurthy said interacting with talented students from different grades within the school is her favorite part of being involved with the student-run productions.
“There are kids that come in from middle school and become part of the show and don’t know anyone, but you watch them make friends,” Krishnamurthy said. “And other kids in the school you get to meet and you wouldn’t usually talk to. In the end you get to see everything you’ve worked on be on stage. That’s an amazing feeling.”
Morales echoed those sentiments, saying she loved the friendships and memories made through the student run productions. Another highlight for her was seeing the support from the community.
“I love seeing everyone’s reactions and how much support we get from everyone in the community. It’s nice to feel supported and accomplished, like you put this show together and people liked it,” Morales said. “Kids give up their whole summer just to put this show together. You’re asking for a lot but it’s so worth it.”
All Shook Up will take the stage in the Carle Place High School auditorium Aug. 9 and 10 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 with a student ID. For more information call the school at 516-622-6432.
