CR
Courtney Romero
  • Class of 2017
  • Kansas City

Courtney Romero in Emporia State Homecoming musical 'All Shook Up!'

2013 Sep 30

Courtney Romero of Kansas City, Kan., is part of the Homecoming musical, "All Shook Up!", which kicks off the 100th season of theater at Emporia State University.

Borrowing some familiar plot devices from Shakespeare, the score highlights classics like "Heartbreak Hotel," "Love Me Tender," "Don't Be Cruel," "Can't Help Falling in Love" and the title song.

The play is set in a small American town in 1955 where a young female mechanic, Natalie, who dreams of true love, works in her father's car shop. Natalie and Chad form an alliance that inspires the town to open its eyes to the magic of romance and the power of rock and roll. Along the way, Chad recruits Natalie's lovesick best friend, Dennis to be his sidekick in pursuit of the local museum director, Sandra.

The town's mayor, Matilda has instituted ordinances against music, public displays of affection and anything rock and roll. While keeping a stern eye over the town, the sheriff, Earl, follows the mayor wherever she goes. Sylvia runs the local Honky Tonk where she and her daughter Lorraine work to earn an honest living. Much to Sylvia and Matilda's chagrin, Lorraine falls hopelessly in love with Dean, the mayor's only son.

Romero is a followspot operator.

"All Shook Up!" is under the direction of Jim and Lindy Bartruff. Penny Speedie is the music director. Set Designer Nancy Pontius brings the town to life. Amanda Dura is designing the costumes. Ron Fowlkes is the lighting designer, and Indy Dambro is in charge of the sound design. Doug Dion is the technical director.

"All Shook Up!" runs Thursday, Oct. 10 through Sunday, Oct. 13 in Albert Taylor Hall at Emporia State University. The Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m. The Sunday performance is a 2 p.m. matinee. Call the university box office at 620-341-6378 for tickets.