Craic On

Last night saw the final night of Moville Community College’s 2014 musical ‘All Shook Up’ take to the Derry stage at Derry’s Millenium Forum. An almost full house were privy to see this last show!

‘All Shook Up’ is based in a small town in America’s midwest in the mid 1950’s. Run by a strict Mayor, Matilda, the residents are forbidden to use any source of public affection, music and dance. There’s a real hint of ‘Footloose’ in the storyline! But when Chad, a rockin’ and rollin’ blue suede shoes clad boy comes to town, all is about to change!

And change it does. From unrequited love, to forbidden love, to true love, it all happens on the stage for these teenagers. And there’s humour, there’s Shakespeare, there’s dance, and there’s fun. Elvis is never far from the fore, as his music and lyrics are sung throughout! Lessons were learned: primarily not to judge others and to accept everyone for who they are. And we learn that everyone falls for the wrong person every now and then!

These kids excelled themselves and rocked the Millenium Forum. The standing ovation at the end was very deserved.

And how amazing to see so many local kids up there last night. Deaglan Ferns from Redcastle played the lead role, and had the audience in the palm of his hands. Aoibheann McGarry from Quigleys Point, the grease monkey, sung like an angel. Samantha Weir, Lizzie Rea, Cathal Doherty, Charlotte Lynch, Patricia Lynch, Michaela Lyons and Emma McCallion all showed true talent on the stage. And no one could argue the talent of the young Stephen Slattery! Playing Dennis, he developed in character, sung amazingly and acted superbly throughout. He won the hearts of everyone.

Drama and musicals bring out a hidden talent in young people. It allows them to express themselves on stage and instills confidence and competency. As principal Anthony Duggan said at the end of the show, “Performing Arts is vitally important to our school”. It’s an essential part of life. Congrats to all who contributed to ‘All Shook Up’.