Recently, I was in a production of the musical All Shook Up, which was put on by the Canby Community Theater. Musicals are interesting things for musicians – you can be onstage or hidden away in a pit, in costume or not, but either way you have to play along with the actors, so it’s never exactly the same show. One night, this person could be slightly rushing their lines, and the next, someone else is milking it more than usual, but we have to roll with it. The rehearsal schedules are weird, too – usually, there are daily rehearsals for the week or two beforehand, then 6 or 7 shows over a couple of weekends. Even though it can be a pain, I really enjoy playing them. I got my feet wet with Urinetown (ehrm, maybe I should rephase that…) back in college, then a production of The Drowsy Chaperone last year, and now All Shook Up.
For this production, the band (3 saxes, 2 trumpets, 1 trombone, and rhythm) was actually put right out onstage dressed in bowling shirts. It was some fairly difficult music, but it all came together quite well, and the audiences seemed quite appreciative.
The theater has posted a few clips on their Facebook page – I’ve compiled them below for your viewing pleasure.