[ot-caption title=”The cast of All Shook Up dances in the final song of Act I. (via Brittany Shore, senior)”][spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

Type One sat down with some of the senior cast members of the musical All Shook Up to gain insight about the roles, their favorite parts, and more. Many of these seniors have been in chorus and drama at Pine Crest throughout middle school and high school; some of these seniors include Ryan Fielder (Dennis), Deanna Hennelly (Ms. Sandra), Amanda Gomez (Mayor Matilda Hyde), and Tara Schulman (Lorraine). The November 11th and 12th shows featured fantastic singing, complimented by the comedically-timed music.

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T1: What motivated you to join this year’s musical? [spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

Deanna: Being a part of the Pine Crest musical allows for many opportunities aside from the show itself; Cappies, Founder’s Council, and side performances to promote the show make for a great experience. In addition to that, it is my senior year and all my friends that I’ve met throughout my 14 years here planned on auditioning, so it was a good way to spend time with them now that our days are numbered.[spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

Amanda: I have done all the musicals at PC since the 7th grade.  I have always had so much fun and always loved being with my friends.  Some of my best friends I met while doing the musical, and I just knew it had to be a part of my senior year at PC. [spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

Tara: I have participated in every Pine Crest musical since lower school. Musical rehearsals are my favorite time of year. I love getting to know new people and spending time with my best friends. There was no way I could pass up the opportunity to participate in my last musical at Pine Crest. [spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

T1: How difficult was it to play the part? How similar or different was the role compared your personality? [spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

Deanna: Ms. Sandra… Well, I do not feel a deeply personal connection to Sandra one bit. She is the beautiful, intellectual museum curator who adores Shakespeare and love itself. Luckily, I got to learn a lot from Sandra while trying to portray her. One cannot hit those notes without confidence, I learned the hard way, and her confidence was a big take away. [spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

Amanda: I am mostly a relaxed person, so playing someone so strict and conservative was kind of tough.  Honestly though, it was more fun than hard; I mainly just got to yell at everyone and boss them around.  It was really fun to see how scared other people got when I yelled at them. [spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

Ryan: At first it was a bit difficult, but Mr. Fitzpatrick helped me develop a character with certain tendencies.  Once he gave me a start, I was able to make it my own and add different aspects to my character.  [spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

Tara: As many people told me, Lorraine has a very similar personality to me. [spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

T1: What was your favorite part about the show? [spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

Deanna: The theme of how fickle love is, and the fact that it shines through the comedic moments and meaningful moments of the show. [spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

Ryan:  My favorite part of the show was the ending when everyone ends up with who they are supposed to. [spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

T1: If you had to choose an alternative role, who would it be? [spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

Deanna: Earl. He’s great. [spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

Amanda: Let’s be honest, we all want to be Earl. [spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

Ryan: Earl. [spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

T1: Do you have a favorite Pine Crest role that you played in the past? [spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

Deanna: Sandra tops my Pine Crest resume by far, but next to this role would have to be Bastienne in Cinderella. I had never played a villain before, but I learned that it wasn’t that different compared to the powerful woman characters I had played in the past. [spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

Amanda: Even though I loved playing the Mayor and having a part, my best Pine Crest musical memory has to be freshman year when I was one of the “Sad Girls” in Bye Bye Birdie.  It was so much fun to fangirl and just dance around. [spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

T1: Since you are a senior, will you guys pursue acting in college, perhaps as a hobby? [spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

Deanna: I am the only one in our cast auditioning for BFA Musical Theatre/BFA Acting/BFA Theatre programs. This is far more than a hobby for me; it’s all I imagine doing for the rest of my life in whatever way it may be. [spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

Amanda: I am not really pursuing acting as a career or anything, but I definitely want to keep it going as a hobby.  It’s a big part of my life, and I can’t imagine leaving it completely. [spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

T1: Favorite current actor? [spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

Deanna: For many reasons, I have to say Lin-Manuel Miranda. [spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

Amanda: Amy Poehler has to be it.  She has always been my favorite. [spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

Ryan: Channing Tatum……he’s a god. [spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

T1: How do you think people will relate to the story? [spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

Deanna: There are so many complicated love stories, I’m sure everyone is bound to relate to at least one of them. The music is also very nostalgic and ties it all together.[spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

Amanda: I think everyone will relate in that we all want to love.  No matter who you are there has to be a relationship you connect to, even if it’s not one of the couples. You can have the love of being a friend like Natalie and Dennis.  Even the loving father and daughter relationship of Natalie and Jim; there is something for everyone.[spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

Ryan:  I think a lot of people can relate to the idea of unrequited love.  [spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

T1: Do you see yourself in any of the characters?[spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

Amanda: I think we can all relate to certain aspects of different characters.  As for myself, I definitely have the dancing capabilities of Jim.[spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

Ryan: I relate to certain aspects of several different characters, like Dennis’ loyalty.

After months of hard work preparing, the cast of All Shook Up can certainly be proud of their performances. Cappies awards are announced in the spring at a large ceremony; hopefully Pine Crest’s actors and actresses will be honored for their stellar shows.