Family drama set on shaking up Elvis tribute | Wairarapa News | Local News in Wairarapa

Family drama takes on a new and Presley-esque twist in the latest Mats production now burning up the stage in Masterton.
All Shook Up, by Joe DiPietro, is a jukebox tribute to the King of Rock 'n' Roll, Elvis Presley, which opened at the Masterton Amateur Theatrical Society's Majestic Theatre in Ngaumutawa Rd last night. The two-act musical recalls the blue suede bruising and breaking down of social barriers in the 1950s and is based on Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare.
Director Sharon Stevens-Cottle said yesterday the All Shook Up company brought together numerous Masterton families.
She said the well-rehearsed cast and crew were ''pumped and ready for an audience''.

''It is visually a very stunning show with some absolutely talented younger principals debuting together in lead roles for Mats, who at the same time just happen to be related as well.'' Ms Stevens-Cottle said the several genetic threads weaving the production together were epitomised in the filial relationships shared by musical director Craig Thomson and vocal director Andrea Carman, band trumpeter Fiona Thomson, production principals Michael McGruddy (playing Chad), his sisters Rose Carman (Natalie/ Ed) and Mary McGruddy (Sandra), their cousins Mallory Tangen (Sylvia) and Fiona Heberley (ensemble).
Ms Stevens-Cottle, whose parents Margaret and Rex Stevens are respectively a member and life member of the society, has been for decades involved with ''countless'' productions and shows in Wairarapa and beyond, including her role as director of the society's centenary celebration show last year.


Masterton music teacher Andrea Carman has been involved with Mats for more than two decades. Her partner Craig Thomson is for the second time stepping up as a musical director for the society. Ms Carman is overjoyed her three children are treading the boards together for the first time after all studying drama at college.
''Over the years they've all been involved in dance and school productions. ''Just never at the same time like this, and with other wider family members too. It's so cool,'' she said.