All Shook Up
at Crean Lutheran

Reviewed on April 12, 2019

Hannah Frank
Tesoro
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Can't Help Falling in Love with Crean Lutheran's "All Shook Up"
written by Hannah Frank, a senior at Tesoro High School

When a small town banned loud music and tight pants is suddenly greeted by a mysterious stranger on a motorbike, all regularity is bound to be shook up as unexpected love stories form. Crean Lutheran's "All Shook Up" masterfully combines classic 1950's rock music with an devoted cast to create a theatrical journey through time.

Schmoozing the crowd with his rich vocals and laidback stature, Quin Araiza plays the nonchalant Chad with ease. Araiza incorporates a slight southern twang into his singing voice, developing his nonconformity and confidence by differentiating in sound. Chad (Araiza) swoons each lady he passes with his suavity and flirtatious nature, flashing a subtle smile to those passing by.

Determined and confident, Samantha Stokes portrays the passionate Natalie/Ed. As Natalie, Stokes picks up nervous habits such as smiling at the ground or clasping her hands together, distinguishing her giddiness towards having a crush. However, as Ed, Stokes becomes more centered and grounded in stance with a lowering of the voice to emphasize masculinity in acting to be a man. Regardless of the character she is playing, Stokes consistently implements her kind, doe eyed expressions and a sweetness in her tone.

Sulking across the stage, Mandy Evans seduces the men of the cast with her sultry movements as Sandra. Slowly moving her hips in numbers such as "Let Yourself Go", Evans embodies allurement. Taking bold, tenacious strides, Evans demands attention with her vivacious attitude and smirk.

Hair and Makeup by Karissa Trejo wonderfully dresses each female ensemble member in a high ponytail complete with bouncy curls, exhibiting the ideal, pristine hairstyle of the 1950's. Additionally, Trejo styles Sandra's (Evans) hair down and curled, setting her apart from the surrounding ensemble, developing the captivating, mature nature of her character.

Marketing and Publicity by Stephanie Benson, Samantha Stokes, Kat Cheng, and Luke Johnson take advantage of social media to make word of their show. Taking over Instagram with "What Character are You?" quizzes and "Meet the Cast" posts, Crean Lutheran's Marketing and Publicity team assures that the local community on social media knows of their lively show.

Crean Lutheran's "All Shook Up" wonderfully creates a compelling piece of art through song and dance in which it is evident to look beneath the surface level and not seek out love, but rather let love find you.

Hannah Frank
Tesoro
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Can't Help Falling in Love with Crean Lutheran's "All Shook Up"
written by Hannah Frank, a senior at Tesoro High School

When a small town banned loud music and tight pants is suddenly greeted by a mysterious stranger on a motorbike, all regularity is bound to be shook up as unexpected love stories form. Crean Lutheran's "All Shook Up" masterfully combines classic 1950's rock music with an devoted cast to create a theatrical journey through time.

Schmoozing the crowd with his rich vocals and laidback stature, Quin Araiza plays the nonchalant Chad with ease. Araiza incorporates a slight southern twang into his singing voice, developing his nonconformity and confidence by differentiating in sound. Chad (Araiza) swoons each lady he passes with his suavity and flirtatious nature, flashing a subtle smile to those passing by.

Determined and confident, Samantha Stokes portrays the passionate Natalie/Ed. As Natalie, Stokes picks up nervous habits such as smiling at the ground or clasping her hands together, distinguishing her giddiness towards having a crush. However, as Ed, Stokes becomes more centered and grounded in stance with a lowering of the voice to emphasize masculinity in acting to be a man. Regardless of the character she is playing, Stokes consistently implements her kind, doe eyed expressions and a sweetness in her tone.

Sulking across the stage, Mandy Evans seduces the men of the cast with her sultry movements as Sandra. Slowly moving her hips in numbers such as "Let Yourself Go", Evans embodies allurement. Taking bold, tenacious strides, Evans demands attention with her vivacious attitude and smirk.

Hair and Makeup by Karissa Trejo wonderfully dresses each female ensemble member in a high ponytail complete with bouncy curls, exhibiting the ideal, pristine hairstyle of the 1950's. Additionally, Trejo styles Sandra's (Evans) hair down and curled, setting her apart from the surrounding ensemble, developing the captivating, mature nature of her character.

Marketing and Publicity by Stephanie Benson, Samantha Stokes, Kat Cheng, and Luke Johnson take advantage of social media to make word of their show. Taking over Instagram with "What Character are You?" quizzes and "Meet the Cast" posts, Crean Lutheran's Marketing and Publicity team assures that the local community on social media knows of their lively show.

Crean Lutheran's "All Shook Up" wonderfully creates a compelling piece of art through song and dance in which it is evident to look beneath the surface level and not seek out love, but rather let love find you.

Samantha Melanson
Tesoro
Submitted for publication to OC Facebook

Can't Help Falling in Love with Crean Lutheran's "All Shook Up"
written by Samantha Melanson, a junior at Tesoro High School

Filled with a tired town, trouble-making traveler, and twisted love triangles, Crean Lutheran's "All Shook Up" is hilarious. Capturing a rambunctious roustabout's trip to the Midwest, the story follows his infatuating energy that empowers the town to share their love and break the rules.

As the boisterous new man in town, Chad (Quin Araiza) bursts onto the stage with charm and flare. Trying to bring the town back to life, he shakes his hips, strums his guitar, and snaps his fingers during "C'mon Everybody." Making the girls smitten, he charismatically pouts his lips and winks. After finding the girl of his dreams, he runs his fingers through his hair before chasing after her.

With tomboy charisma, Samantha Stokes plays the determined, greasy mechanic, Natalie. Falling in love with Chad, she blissfully gazes up at him. As Chad turns to leave, she longingly runs after him. Slyly dressing up as a man named Ed to get closer to Chad, she slides on a leather jacket. Set on independence, she strides on stage and stomps her foot.

Strutting on stage, Mandy Evans captivates as Sandra. With her commanding stage presence during "Let Yourself Go," she strikes a pose with hands on hips. Boldly draping herself on furniture, she desperately tries to make Ed fall in love with her. Not wanting Ed to leave, she grabs Ed's arm and forcefully wraps it around her. Careening around the stage, she scolds Chad with her pointed finger as he staggers back.

Nick Brajevich portrays Jim, the forlorn father in need of a new woman. Landing his eyes on the endearing Sandra, he widens his eyes as he gasps. Set on confessing his love to Sandra, he excitedly opens his mouth to speak, but leaves it hanging as he fails to formulate words. Throughout the show, he delivers a well-timed comedic performance with his awkwardness.

An enhancing technical component to this show is the hair and makeup by Karissa Trejo. She gives the ensemble girls poofs and ponytails with pin curls, creating unity among them. With a pink hair scarf and ponytail with bouncy curls, Lorraine (Kat Cheng) radiates sweetness. To match Lorraine's young love, she has bright pink eye shadow.

With both strong acting and technical components, Crean Lutheran's "All Shook Up" reveals the significance of remaining true to oneself.

Samantha Melanson
Tesoro
Submitted for publication to OC Facebook

Can't Help Falling in Love with Crean Lutheran's "All Shook Up"
written by Samantha Melanson, a junior at Tesoro High School

Filled with a tired town, trouble-making traveler, and twisted love triangles, Crean Lutheran's "All Shook Up" is hilarious. Capturing a rambunctious roustabout's trip to the Midwest, the story follows his infatuating energy that empowers the town to share their love and break the rules.

As the boisterous new man in town, Chad (Quin Araiza) bursts onto the stage with charm and flare. Trying to bring the town back to life, he shakes his hips, strums his guitar, and snaps his fingers during "C'mon Everybody." Making the girls smitten, he charismatically pouts his lips and winks. After finding the girl of his dreams, he runs his fingers through his hair before chasing after her.

With tomboy charisma, Samantha Stokes plays the determined, greasy mechanic, Natalie. Falling in love with Chad, she blissfully gazes up at him. As Chad turns to leave, she longingly runs after him. Slyly dressing up as a man named Ed to get closer to Chad, she slides on a leather jacket. Set on independence, she strides on stage and stomps her foot.

Strutting on stage, Mandy Evans captivates as Sandra. With her commanding stage presence during "Let Yourself Go," she strikes a pose with hands on hips. Boldly draping herself on furniture, she desperately tries to make Ed fall in love with her. Not wanting Ed to leave, she grabs Ed's arm and forcefully wraps it around her. Careening around the stage, she scolds Chad with her pointed finger as he staggers back.

Nick Brajevich portrays Jim, the forlorn father in need of a new woman. Landing his eyes on the endearing Sandra, he widens his eyes as he gasps. Set on confessing his love to Sandra, he excitedly opens his mouth to speak, but leaves it hanging as he fails to formulate words. Throughout the show, he delivers a well-timed comedic performance with his awkwardness.

An enhancing technical component to this show is the hair and makeup by Karissa Trejo. She gives the ensemble girls poofs and ponytails with pin curls, creating unity among them. With a pink hair scarf and ponytail with bouncy curls, Lorraine (Kat Cheng) radiates sweetness. To match Lorraine's young love, she has bright pink eye shadow.

With both strong acting and technical components, Crean Lutheran's "All Shook Up" reveals the significance of remaining true to oneself.

Emily Boyer
Mission Viejo
Submitted for publication to OC Facebook

You Can't Help Falling in Love with Crean Lutheran's "All Shook Up"
written by Emily Boyer, a senior at Mission Viejo High School

Love is in the air when the motorcycle-riding heartthrob, Chad, comes to town and livens the small 1950s Midwestern town. Bringing the music of Elvis Presley to life, the cast of Crean Lutheran's "All Shook Up" outstandingly executes this heartwarming jukebox musical of love and acceptance.

Playing the mysteriously charming rebel, Chad, is Quin Araiza, who immediately captivates the audience with his smooth vocal tone. Araiza walks with his chin held high, catching the eye of each woman he walks past. He crosses his arms, and puts his weight on one side to give off an alluring and bold confidence.

Samantha Stokes astoundingly portrays the role of Natalie/ Ed. Stokes gazes at Chad with dreamy, longing eyes as the eager Natalie, but contrasts this exceptionally as she pretends to be a male which she calls Ed. As Ed, Stokes walks with her hips forward, deepens her pitch, and strides across the stage to trick Chad into thinking she is a man.

In contrast to Chad's smooth charm is the shy and reserved Dennis, played by Jared Takata. Takata stumbles on his words to give off a nervous, yet sweet energy, as he tries to admit his love to Natalie and express the way he is feeling. Mandy Evans flawlessly executes the cultured, prestigious Sandra, as she walks with a swift glide, refusing to allow Chad to express his love for her, but contrasts this with a quirky love stricken energy as she falls in love with Ed.

Gwen Butler commands the stage with her stellar vocals and mature confidence as she begins to open up her heart to love as Sylvia, and Nick Brajevich delights the audience with his animated facial expressions as he attempts to find love once again as Natalie's father, Jim.

The hair and makeup team excellently portrays the time period and energy of the show through their hair and makeup designs. They pay great attention to detail as they make design boards for each character's inspiration, and do in-depth research to accurately portray the time period. They use a variety of hairstyles, including tight curls, ponytails, twists, and bumps for the girls, and slicked back, smooth styles for the boys.

Crean Lutheran brings a lively and bright energy to tell an endearing story of true love in their marvelous production of "All Shook Up."

Emily Boyer
Mission Viejo
Submitted for publication to OC Facebook

You Can't Help Falling in Love with Crean Lutheran's "All Shook Up"
written by Emily Boyer, a senior at Mission Viejo High School

Love is in the air when the motorcycle-riding heartthrob, Chad, comes to town and livens the small 1950s Midwestern town. Bringing the music of Elvis Presley to life, the cast of Crean Lutheran's "All Shook Up" outstandingly executes this heartwarming jukebox musical of love and acceptance.

Playing the mysteriously charming rebel, Chad, is Quin Araiza, who immediately captivates the audience with his smooth vocal tone. Araiza walks with his chin held high, catching the eye of each woman he walks past. He crosses his arms, and puts his weight on one side to give off an alluring and bold confidence.

Samantha Stokes astoundingly portrays the role of Natalie/ Ed. Stokes gazes at Chad with dreamy, longing eyes as the eager Natalie, but contrasts this exceptionally as she pretends to be a male which she calls Ed. As Ed, Stokes walks with her hips forward, deepens her pitch, and strides across the stage to trick Chad into thinking she is a man.

In contrast to Chad's smooth charm is the shy and reserved Dennis, played by Jared Takata. Takata stumbles on his words to give off a nervous, yet sweet energy, as he tries to admit his love to Natalie and express the way he is feeling. Mandy Evans flawlessly executes the cultured, prestigious Sandra, as she walks with a swift glide, refusing to allow Chad to express his love for her, but contrasts this with a quirky love stricken energy as she falls in love with Ed.

Gwen Butler commands the stage with her stellar vocals and mature confidence as she begins to open up her heart to love as Sylvia, and Nick Brajevich delights the audience with his animated facial expressions as he attempts to find love once again as Natalie's father, Jim.

The hair and makeup team excellently portrays the time period and energy of the show through their hair and makeup designs. They pay great attention to detail as they make design boards for each character's inspiration, and do in-depth research to accurately portray the time period. They use a variety of hairstyles, including tight curls, ponytails, twists, and bumps for the girls, and slicked back, smooth styles for the boys.

Crean Lutheran brings a lively and bright energy to tell an endearing story of true love in their marvelous production of "All Shook Up."