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'Can't Help Fallin' in Love' with Elvis

Plaza Theatrical puts on a tribute to the King

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The halls and auditorium of Lynbrook High School were “All Shook Up” with the music of Elvis Presley as the Lynbrook based Plaza Theatrical’s Performing Arts Academy, presented the Broadway Musical “All Shook Up” on July 28 and 29 (by middle school students) and August 4 and 5 (by high school students).

Inspired by and featuring the songs of Elvis Presley, this fast paced musical had the audience jumpin’ out of their blue suede shoes with such classics as “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Can’t Help Fallin’ in Love”and “Don’t Be Cruel.” The show was directed and choreographed Tommie Gibbons with musical direction by Alan Kingsley.

Plaza’s founder, Kevin F. Harrington, who has produced and directed over 300 musicals, said, “We want to provide a safe creative environment for all of our students which culminates in a professional theatrical performance featuring full scenery, props, costumes, lighting, sound, and live band! Some children seem born to entertain while others simply enjoy acting, singing and dancing. There is an important place for everyone at Plaza’s Performing Arts Academy!”

Parents and students alike are thrilled with Plaza’s Performing Arts Academy! In a recent email, a parent wrote, “The play was wonderful! We really enjoyed it! We’ve been singing the songs for the past two days! I just wanted to say thank you again for everything. Our daughter has truly become a different person since starting with Plaza. She just has become more outgoing and confident! She has finally found something that she loves and has made many new friends! Thank you for making this experience so wonderful for her.”

The middle school cast featured David Padilla (Chad) Megan Hansen (Sylvia) Marisa Hickey (Lorraine) Emily D’Alessandro (Natalie) Joseph Causone (Dennis) Carolina Tucker Henessy (Matilida) Liam O’Connor (Earl) Jack Parr (Dean) Kathleen Curry (Sandra) and Tommy Michels (Jim). The singing and dancing ensemble featured

Ryan Benvenuto, Eric Brown, Raquel Brown, Lorelei Dillon, Lindsay Duet, Erin Hynes, Mikayla Keryc, Alayna Matern, Lindsay Moran, Zoie Napolitano, Alexandra Ortiz, Danielle Vito, Sofia Yaker.

The high school actors included Mackenzie Zorn (Natalie), Doug Gallo (Chad), Richard Nessler (Jim), Judy Streib (Sylvia), Samantha Rizzo (Lorraine), Colin O’Leary (Dennis), Kristin Greve (Miss Sandra), Annalise Lobiondo (Mayor Matilda Hyde), Paul Hogan (Dean Hyde), and Eitan Markowitz (Sheriff Earl). The sining and dancing ensemble featured Deidre Ambrosi, Evelyn Boyle, Elise Candreva, Megan Faili, Andrew Feldman, Tommy Flanagan, Samantha Keating, Marissa Mastromarino, Donivan Molinaro, Isabelle Najah, Maci O’Donnell, Brooke Panzavecchia, Katherine Quinn, Renee Smestad, Angelica Tarsia, Benjamin Truncale, Jessica Vincello, Kara Vito.

Celebrating their ninth anniversary, Plaza Theatrical’s Performing Arts Academy will be holding auditions for their upcoming season featuring The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Grades 9-12), Thirteen (Grades 7-10), Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids (Grades 1-4), Hairspray Jr (Grades 5-8) and Hairspray (Grades 9-12). For additional information on these performance workshops, call (516) 599-6870 or visit www.plazatheatrical.com.