By Emily Iannello
Three Geelong colleges for either boys or girls-only have joined forces for a production starring both sexes.
Students from St Joseph’s, Clonard and Sacred Heart colleges will appear in All Shook Up next week, performing a script based on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night but set to the music of Elvis Presley.
Producer David Gallaher said the cast of 75 included 12 lead roles, chosen through an extensive casting process.
“It was very tough for the girls to get roles. It’s hard when there are 200 applicants and you’re only going to take 35,” Gallaher said.
“We’re very lucky we have an experienced team of music directors, vocalists and choreographers – many of them are involved with local theatre companies. That’s one of the reasons the school productions have been so successful over the years.”
Gallaher said teachers had contributed to making the set and costumes, while local theatre companies also helped out.
“Every theatre company in town has lent us some form of costuming.”
St Joseph’s year 12 student Ryan Bentley said the audition process involved dancing, singing and acting, which landed him the lead role of Chad.
“It’s quite a different role for me, personally. Chad is a very cool character, very suave.”
Bentley said the tough rehearsals involved two days of practice a week since the beginning of the year and nine day-long Sunday sessions.
“It’s quite a long rehearsal schedule but it’s also been nice and relaxing in between studying.”
Bentley said learning to play the guitar and to “mimic playing” it had been a challenge.
“One of the female leads also becomes a guy, so it’s been quite different interacting with a girl dressed as a guy,” he laughed.
St Joseph’s Jack Callahan, who plays Jim, found the audition process nerve-wracking.
“I don’t have the experience Ryan does but it was definitely rewarding in the end,” he said.
Callahan was looking forward to his singing debut on stage.
“It’s a really exciting experience.”
Callahan said the co-ed play was a “good experience… besides the fact we get to mingle with the girls”.
Geelong Performing Arts Centre will host three performances of All Shook Up from14 to 16 August.
