This fall, the school’s theater department is bringing back a crowd favorite: All Shook Up, a jukebox musical built around the iconic music of Elvis Presley. Set in the 1950s, All Shook Up is the story of a troublemaking roustabout, Chad, who struts into a small, midwestern town and turns the lives of its inhabitants upside down. The theater program’s director and the show’s producer, Fr. Mike DeMartinis, sat down to talk more about the choice to revive All Shook Up, what’s going on behind the curtain to prepare for opening night, and why students should consider getting involved in school theater.
As both director of the theater program and producer of the show, Fr. DeMartinis juggles two major responsibilities behind the scenes. “I’m the director of the theater program, and I also serve as the producer for all our shows,” he said. “Those are actually two very different jobs. Directing takes a fraction of the time that producing does. Producing means handling everything from the beginning to the end. It starts a year in advance.”
This isn’t the first time All Shook Up has graced the stage here at Cathedral Prep. Having performed in the same play back in 2009, Fr. DeMartinis holds a special connection to one moment of the show in particular.
“One of my favorite moments is the big number at the end of Act One: ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love.’ It brings the house down every time. There’s something so powerful and emotional about that moment. It sticks with you.”
Rehearsals have been progressing steadily, with the cast working together as a team through each essential element step by step.
“The cast is working really hard. Right now, we’ve been focusing primarily on vocal rehearsals,” Fr. DeMartinis said. “Choreography happens on the weekends, and blocking starts on Monday. Every musical needs three main things prepared: vocals, choreography, and staging. We’re building all of those pieces step by step.”
Behind the curtain, the technical side of the production is also well underway.
“Our set designers are arriving at the beginning of next week, and they’ll be working several days a week all the way up until the show opens,” Fr. DeMartinis said. Costumes are another arduous effort. “Costumes are built and fitted throughout the rehearsal process. It’s a constant collaboration. Everything comes together little by little.”
While the ongoing rehearsals have occupied much of his time, Fr. DeMartinis is Already looking forward to opening night. “Magic. It’s always magic,” he said with a smile. “It might not be perfect, but the energy is second to none. There’s something electric about that first performance—it’s a feeling you can’t quite describe.”
For students considering joining the theater program in the future, Fr. DeMartinis’ advice is both encouraging and heartfelt. “Theater builds empathy, friendships, and teamwork. It helps you grow in so many ways,” he said. “You learn skills you’ll use the rest of your life. Plus, it’s just so much fun. If you’re thinking about it, go for it!”
All Shook Up opens Oct. 9 at the H. David Bowes Auditorium and runs through Oct. 12. All Cathedral Prep students are encouraged to go see the play and support both their friends and the program.
