Downpatrick man Jordan Walsh will be treading the boards next week starring in Fortwilliam Musical Society’s production of All Shook Up next week in Theatre at the Mill in Newtownabbey.
He plays Dean Hyde. The All Shook Up production is a jukebox musical comedy featuring over 20 of Elvis Presley’s best-loved songs. It’s a fast-paced show with a hilarious script that has been described as “Grease” for the 21st century.
Loosely based on Shakespeare’s romantic comedy, Twelfth Night, the show is set in mid-west America in the 1950’s, where loud music, public necking, and tight pants are outlawed.
When a hip-swiveling, guitar-playing roustabout named Chad, arrives in town, he upsets the status quo and becomes the catalyst for a rebellion against the town’s strict rules.
Jordan, who has previously starred as Mark in Rent, Danny Zuko in Grease and has recently directed Footloose in the Belfast Waterfront, says that the role of Dean is one which he is thoroughly enjoying.
He added: “Dean is the son of the town’s Mayor, Matilda Hyde, and never disobeys his mother’s orders. However, when he meets Lorraine, the daughter of bar owner Slyvia, he begins to grow in confidence. Both Dean and Lorraine fall madly in love with each other and start the search for their own fairytale ending.
“The opportunity to play Dean has been fantastic, particularly as I get to perform alongside some of the best talent in the region and work with Fortwilliam for the first time in such a lively, funny and dynamic show.”
Director Simon Pyper, who has previously directed Fortwilliam’s Wizard of Oz and Sweeney Todd, says the show is definitely not one to be missed. “The show is jammed packed with new variations of Elvis songs and energetic dances, all of which is centred around an incredibly funny script. Working with Fortwilliam again has been brilliant, particularly as we have been able to attract more great talent like Jordan.”
The musical comedy All Shook Up will be in the Theatre at the Mill from Tuesday 28 Mar-Sat 1 April 2017. For tickets call 028 9034 0202 or check out the website
www.fortwilliammusicalsociety.co.uk
