This week, Harrow Shenzhen’s auditorium resonated with the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll as students presented three sold-out performances of All Shook Up. The performances drew more than 1,000 spectators, immersing them in the vibrant culture of 1950s America. The final curtain call was met with a resounding five-minute standing ovation. This was a testament to seven months of meticulous preparation by students, faculty, and staff.
Spotlight on Talent
This production marked a significant milestone in the school’s theatrical history. It featured a record-breaking cast of 26 students selected from about 100 auditionees. They proudly presented All Shook Up – a high-energy jukebox musical filled with Elvis hits, laughter, and romance!
Set in a small, sleepy town in the 1950s, the arrival of a leather-clad, guitar-strumming stranger shakes things up in ways no one could have imagined. Suddenly, the town comes alive with music, mismatched romance, and a touch of Shakespearean mischief. There are cross-dressing, mistaken identities, and love blooming in the most unexpected places.
This play has been a wonderful experience for me. Having more people involved than last year was a positive aspect, despite the challenges we faced as a cast. I want to emphasize that the entire cast and crew dedicated their weekends to perfecting this play. While we usually relax on weekends, our cast was running the show non-stop.
— Clovis Year 9
Guard, Alex, Bus Driver
Initially, we were extremely nervous about things going wrong, but we proved ourselves wrong after the performance. Our crew, including the lighting, sound, and props teams, put in tremendous effort to produce this musical, and we all enjoyed the rehearsal process, striving for perfection. While acting as Dennis, I discovered how different I can be on and off stage. You must immerse yourself in the character to deliver effective and entertaining performances.
— Lucas Year 11
Dennis
Being part of the amazing All Shook Up cast was an unforgettable experience! I met many new people, developed my confidence, and challenged myself to try new skills. Playing the bossy, strong-willed Matilda alongside my sidekick, Earl, was a highlight. Singing in front of a large audience definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone. However, with Mr Wong’s support, I was able to work through the challenging song. While I may never feel completely ready, I’m eager to give it my all!
— Ella Year 12
Matilda
Learning Through Practising
Each scene showcased the dedication and commitment of the students involved.
Hundreds of hours were dedicated to perfecting dance routines, vocal harmonies, and comedic timing. This was all accomplished under the expert guidance of faculty members. The student crews skilfully managed lighting, sound engineering, and stage transitions. Their work demonstrated a high level of professionalism.
After the debut of All Shook Up, I’m filled with excitement and relief. Portraying this character was challenging, as I had to capture complex emotions on stage. Countless hours of practice taught me the value of perseverance and teamwork. With the crew’s help, every note and movement was refined. I’m grateful to be part of this project, and the audience’s positive reaction made all the hard work worthwhile.
— Rain Year 9
Lorraine
Handmade Spectacle: A 1.5-metre jukebox made from corrugated cardboard, vintage billboards painted with acrylics, and a life-size retro motorcycle, all designed and built by the students.
For All Shook Up, our team transformed a bicycle into a motorcycle using cardboard and detailed painting. Through creative problem-solving, we brought our vision to life.
— Cindy Year 9
Behind the Curtain: Crafting Excellence
The backstage crew, though completely out of sight, played a crucial role in ensuring a flawless performance.
We put in a lot of work, from brainstorming to sketching, revising, and honing details until we finalized the design. It was important to ensure the lighting and actors’ outfits did not clash with the set. I found this process entertaining as I experimented with various colors, elements, and silhouettes to create a mid-1950s vibe. After months of design work, seeing the actual proscenium was incredibly rewarding!
— Olive Year 13
Set Designer
As the Lighting Operator for All Shook Up, I have managed programming and live operations to create a dynamic visual experience. With 14 scenes and fast-paced transitions, I’ve tackled precise cueing and synchronized lighting with sound effects, follow spots, and actors’ movements. Despite the challenges, seeing everything come together on stage is incredibly rewarding.
— Jack Year 13
Lighting Operator
For All Shook Up, I became a makeup artist to help the actors and actresses look their best on stage and enhance the audience’s experience. I enjoy participating and am glad Mrs. Park allowed me to assist with makeup, as I have experience from last year’s musical.
— Cecilia Year 9
Student Set Designer
Stephanie Park
Director and Costume Design
When selecting this year’s school production, we knew we wanted something fun, energetic, and full of opportunities for our students to shine. The auditions were incredible, with students giving their all in singing, dancing, and acting. Casting was a challenging task. However, the result is a powerhouse ensemble that has dedicated months of hard work to bringing this show to life.
Due to the article’s length,
interviewing every cast
and crew member was impossible.
However, we are incredibly proud
of each participant.
Stage Crew
Crew
Backstage Coordinator – Andrew Davison
Props Maker – Miss Dramicanin
Student Set Designer – Olive
Stage manager – Zhenni
Translations – Sophia, Ingrid
Front of House Coordinator – Katy Tang
Lighting Operator – Jack
Lighting Supervisor – Xiaorui Gao
Backstage and Lighting Crew – Kenneth, Bill, Shaun, Kelvin
Makeup Artist – Cecilia
Yoonfoong Wong
Ricky Ware
Lidia Burton
Harrow Shenzhen extends the warmest of welcomes to all prospective parents and pupils at its Open Events. You will have the chance to meet key staff, visit our outstanding facilities, interact with current pupils and see for yourselves just what makes our School so different.
Please find the upcoming dates of our events below:
Event : Early Years Centre Open Events
Date : 9:30am – 11:00am, Wednesday
Event : Pre-prep & Upper School Open events
Date : 9:30am – 11:00am, Friday
