Students have ‘high hopes’ for Thespian Festival
By Beth Kramer ekramer@stmedianetwork.com February 16, 2012 6:30PM
Michael Orante an 8th grader (above) who plays Chad sings with the cast during a rehearsal of All Shook Up by students of Viking School in Gurnee. | Michael Schmidt~Sun-Times Media
If You Go
What: “All Shook Up”
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25
Where: Viking Middle School, 4460 Old Grand Ave., Gurnee
Cost: Donation
Article Extras
Updated: April 17, 2012 1:45AM
GURNEE — The cast of Viking Middle School’s musical is competing with high schools from across the country for a slot performing at the International Thespian Festival this summer.
“All Shook Up” was the middle school’s first show of the year and was performed Nov. 30, Dec. 1 and Dec. 2, according to Viking Middle School drama director Karen Pionke.
Now the cast of 19, plus 25 students in the pit band and technical crew, is resurrecting the show for a special performance that will be evaluated by two judges from Educational Theatre Association (ETA).
“We know we’re a long shot,” Pionke said during a cast pep talk. “I know there is no reason in the world you can’t be focused and not do this well.”
Viking is the only middle school vying for 10 to 12 invitations issued to perform on the main stage at the 2012 Thespian Festival in Nebraska, according to ETA spokewsoman Kathleen Taylor. About 40 shows are adjudicated, she said.
Adjudicators evaluate productions on their interpretation, tempo, blocking, characterization, ensemble, dance, lighting, set, costumes, sound and overall production.
To prepare for next week’s judging, students involved with “All Shook Up” started rehearsing the show this week.
The musical features the songs of Elvis Presley to modernize Shakespeare’s comedy “Twelfth Night.”
Pionke said she did not know who recommended their production for adjudication.
“Whether you get selected or not, it’s a wonderful experience for the students. The judges give constructive criticism and the room is pretty electric,” Pionke said.
This is the third time one of their productions is being considered, she said. About six years ago, their “Beauty and the Beast” was judged and about four years ago “And Then They Came For Me” was considered.
“We’re hoping that the third time is the charm,” Pionke said.
“All Shook Up” was eighth-grader Sarah Hunter’s 10th show. The Wadworth thespian called the adjudication “a dream come true.”
“It’s unbelievable to know the hard work you’ve done pays off in the end,” Hunter said.
She has one of the principle roles in the show. She is a member of the Thespian Society because she logged enough hours of stage experience. Hunter has attended the Thespian Festival and said to perform there would be “like being a professional.”
Fellow thespian and “All Shook Up” lead Michael Orante, 13, said he was “really excited” to perform for the judges.
“I feel really good about it. I have high hopes that we’ll make it into the festival,” Orante said.
The judges will make their decision about three weeks after evaluating the show Feb. 25, Pionke said.
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