All Shook Up What a Show!

Last night I went to see an unknown Musical called All Shook Up at the Riverside Theatre at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. I went in not knowing what to expect as this was a new show to Perth featuring songs by Elvis being performed by a new Youth Theatre Company called Mesh Theatre Inc. Well all I can say is that my expectations were sent to new limits. WOW what a night!!!! And judging by the almost 1000 people that were there I am sure they felt the same way I did. The Cast, especially the Lead Characters were on par with anything that I have seen on a professional level. Singing, Dancing and Acting was just amazing. The Live Band nearly stole the show for me, they were brilliant. All other aspects of this production just clicked into gear. I spoke with one of the producers after the show and he said that Mesh Theatre was only 4 months old and was launched to give 16 to 30 year olds an opportunity to perform and be involved in all production aspects and showcase their talents on the Professional Stage. Well they really did that and hats off to them for creating such a fantastic first show. It really highlights the fantastic young talent we have in Perth. What did disturb me though was when the producer said that despite constant contact of the Arts Editor at the West Australian to publicise this show, it apparently fell on deaf ears and they ended up just ignoring any emails or phone contacts. The West is supposed to represent the Performing Arts view for all West Australians but as has been the case with this newspaper in the past a typical "one paper town mentality exists" show coverage of performing arts is selective rather than embraced as a whole. I am so looking forward to seeing the future plans and performances of this exciting new theatre and really do hope that more Perth theatregoers support the worthy goals that Mesh Theatre Inc is trying to achieve. Check out their website. Keep up the great work Mesh you have started brilliantly!!!!!!!!!