PRESIDENT’S BLOG: ALL SHOOK UP

  • Steve Schmutz

By Steve Schmutz

“You know someone said that the world’s a stage,

And each must play a part.”

–Elvis Presley, Are you lonesome tonight

My parents introduced my siblings and me to various forms of the performing arts. They loved the symphony and attended stage performances that made their way to Spokane. Both of my parents grew up on Long Island, and as we traveled back to New York to visit family, they would often bring us into the city for sightseeing and entertainment. On one trip, during my high school years, we attended Broadway performances of Les Miserables and The Phantom of the Opera. I’ve held onto this memory for 30 years as the greatest weekend of theatre I have witnessed in my life. Little did I know I would have the opportunity to rival that experience with a similar weekend of musical triumph when I recently attended the AMHS production of All Shook Up on a Saturday, followed by the traveling stage production of Hamilton the next day at the Paramount Theatre.

For those unable to attend the AMHS musical this year, allow me to provide an overview of the production. Set in 1955, in a place the program describes as a “square little town in a square little state”, the music of Elvis Presley provides the soundtrack for a story of friendship, love, mistaken identity, and rock and roll. Directed by AMHS choir and drama teacher Carrie Wright, with the musical pit conducted and joined in performance by AMHS band teacher Keith Curtis, the production includes students who perform on stage and work behind the scenes. Additional staff members, parents, friends of AMHS, and the wonderful people at the Everett PUD Auditorium made for an amazing two week run of five brilliant shows.

I’ve attended several productions of the AMHS musical since my arrival in 2006. I’m always amazed by the collective talent, the courage and bravery, and the passion of our students. Every performance and musical production has its magical moments–I have enjoyed the likes of Footloose, Grease, The Music Man, Big Fish, and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. “All Shook Up” was pure magic from the first guitar lick and the opening number, “Jailhouse Rock”.  Each scene repeatedly blew me away with the singing, dancing, and acting from our talented students—including a few younger siblings who currently attend our partner parish schools. The musical had two cast lists, with rotating casts for each performance. I chose to attend the Saturday finale, which included a recognition of all of the seniors who have been part of the musical this year and throughout their time at AMHS.

I left the PUD Auditorium not only reminded about the awesome music and songs of Elvis Presley, but awestruck by the incredible gifts and talents our students shared with those of us fortunate enough to have attended one of the shows. The departure of our incredible seniors on stage and behind the scenes will be missed. However, the young cast included a multitude of current freshmen and sophomores and experienced juniors who will certainly be back next year for the next musical. Hear me now: in the spring of 2019, buy your musical tickets early and often—attend multiple shows and don’t miss out on the magic of our student performers. If this production is any indication, next year will be a special experience, one not to be missed.

As I attended Hamilton on the following evening, I was transported to the early years of the founding of the United States. I was not as familiar with the music of Hamilton going into the performance, but I was completely enthralled with the entire show. It brought me back to seeing Les Miserables, as I was captivated by the story, the singing, and the emotional elements (hilarious scenes with Mad King George, and touching tributes to Hamilton and his widowed family). I loved the diversity of the cast, the simplicity of the staging, and the historical overview of early American history.

It was a weekend to be remembered. I was reminded of the beauty of the performing arts, and particularly moved by the talented young thespians in our community who might one day follow their dreams and passions and pursue a life in stage, film, or television. Better yet, they will continue to encourage others to experience the performing arts and hopefully they will share and support these programs throughout their lives and allow everyone to escape into the magical world of the theatre.