Fifteen Woman share their love and talent of music, theatre, dance to weave a tale of life that is funny, sassy, sexy, stylized, raw, and sharp, of an honest journey of life exploration. Described as a white-knuckle roller-coaster Kabaret with “lighter” moments thrown in to balance out those that are, bitter-sweet, raw, real, sad and poignant, all held together by that universal glue of society – humour.

This multi-faceted production presented by Coolum Theatre Players and facilitated and written by director Simon Denver was poetic, confronting, heartbreaking, funny, enlightening and fundamentally, undeniably entertaining.

Backed by two skilled musicians in Darren Heskes and Murray Wall on keyboard and guitar, the cast of 21 women shone in their commitment to their stories and each other as they lay out a lavish smorgasbord for the heart, soul and mind.

Musical numbers linked with scripted pieces and multi-media images spoke of the struggles, heartbreaks and triumphs of women through the ages. And, ultimately, how humour, hope and humanity can help get us all through.

Universally admired!

Synopsis

Directed by Linda Gefken

Inspired by and featuring the songs of Elvis Presley.

It’s 1955, and into a square little town in a square little state rides a guitar-playing roustabout who changes everything and everyone he meets in this hip-swiveling, lip-curling musical fantasy that’ll have you jumpin’ out of your blue suede shoes with such classics as “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “Don’t Be Cruel.”

A barnstorming show featuring classic Presley, iconic projection and wonderful performances that had the audience jumping out of their seats.  To quote a well-known reviewer….. All Shook Up” had all the consistent hallmarks of why Coolum Players have risen to the top of musical theatre on the coast. The reasons are simple. They have high production values, an embarrassment of artistic talent, dynamic “young” casts and they choose modern fare. Unlike many of their contemporaries Coolum always gives a quality, slick production!   Simon – you’re not wrong on this one!

Show dates

Friday 4th, Saturday 5th, Friday 11th & Saturday 12th August 2023 at 7.30pm
Sunday 6th & Sunday 13th August 2023 at 2.00pm