by Simon Johnston

About one year ago, Mark DuMez and I met to exchange ideas about our respective theatre's season line-up. We were looking for a show that both the Gateway Theatre in Richmond and the Chemainus Theatre Festival could collaborate on. Such a partnership would be beneficial to both companies. We could share resources and enable artists from both organizations to learn from each other. Since some costs are shared, there would also be a financial benefit. With this approach in mind, we looked for a script that we were both excited about. I am delighted that we selected All Shook Up a musical about the power of music to transform people for the better.

Based loosely on Shakespeare's Twelfth Night but set in a small town in the 1950s, we've filled it with music made popular by Elvis Presley.

I imagine that the original audiences for The Bard's play in the 1590s reacted as you will when you watch the characters engage in unrequited love and mistaken identities that lead to everyone discovering their true loves.

I want to thank the Chemainus Theatre Festival for making me feel so welcome. Everyone in the company and in this charming town has worked seamlessly in support of this show. I am so proud of the wonderful cast, creative team, production and administration Staff.

We all released our inner Elvis. I hope you will do the same. Rock on!