[THEATRE INTERVIEW] SHAKE RATTLE ‘N’ ROLL To Return

Dion and Randall International announces the return of their rock ‘n’ roll spectacular, touring Australia from July-October 2022. Following sell-out seasons at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne and theatres across the country, Shake Rattle ‘n’ Roll is back and bigger and better than ever.

First debuting in 1993 with humble beginnings at an old Melbourne icon, the fever took hold fast and now Shake Rattle ‘n’ Roll is celebrating 30 years since they first immortalised the ‘50s and ‘60s, with more songs, more high-energy performance numbers and even more glitzy costumes than ever before. 

The electric line up of 15 singers and dancers features some of Australia’s favourite live entertainers and World Champion dancers, including many from Dancing With The Stars. 

Audiences will be rocking and rolling throughout Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania and Adelaide so prepare to be ‘all shook up’ at this homage to the era known for pure, unadulterated fun. 

Tickets are now on sale for performances around the country, with more tour dates still to be announced: https://shakerattleandroll.com.au/ 

Featuring hit songs that rocked a generation and are forever loved by rockabilly devotees Australia wide, Shake Rattle ‘n’ Roll playfully recreates Wolfman Jack’s famous radio broadcast with an all-singing, all-dancing, all-out stage extravaganza. 

Audiences will be treated to the most memorable tunes from all the greats: Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Johnny O’Keefe, Bobby Darin, Chuck Berry, Doris Day, Ritchie Valens, Jerry Lee Lewis and so many more. 

Producer and Director, Adam Dion, along with fellow Producer and Helpmann Award nominated Costume Designer, Nina Randall, have created an electrifying spectacle that brings the one-of-a-kind high energy fun of the ‘50s and ‘60s roaring into the 21st century with state of the art sound, staging and effects. 

“Our fully choreographed stage production revels and delights in the era of poodle skirts, bobby socks, high collars and jive dancing to tunes that get you up and dancing in the aisles,” says Adam.

The duo that make up Dion and Randall International have created and produced no less than 20 productions that have toured Australia and Asia to great acclaim, building a reputation for vivid, imaginative, escapist stage spectacles. Also partners in life, Nina and Adam have just celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary, proving that rock ‘n’ roll will never die. 

Aric Yegudkin’s (Dancing With The Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, Sonia Kruger’s dance fitness platform ’Strictly You’) highly acclaimed talent brings the spectacular to life as Choreographer and Principal Dancer. Having competed in multiple dance competitions around the world, Aric’s suave choreography is part of what has made this show such a longstanding hit. 

“You get a taste of the best of the era in Shake Rattle ‘n’ Roll, not just Elvis, or Johnny O’Keefe. It’s a euphoric jukebox of the best hits that ensures every audience member is smiling as they leave the show,” says Aric.

An abundance of talent perform Aric’s dazzling, wow-worthy dance moves that includes Jive, Latin Ballroom, Cha-cha, Waltz, Fox Trot, Jazz and more. 

Expect unforgettable ‘50s and ‘60s jukebox hits including: Jailhouse Rock (Elvis Presley), Twistin’ The Night Away (Sam Cooke), Whatever Will Be (Doris Day), La Bamba (Ritchie Valens), Put Your Head On My Shoulder (Paul Anka), paired with vintage rockabilly numbers like Chantilly Lace (Big Bopper) and Let’s Have A Party (Wanda Jackson), while a Grease medley featuring that iconic spandex-clad moment between Sandra Dee and Danny Zuko also features.

The show is led by five world-class singers and entertainers, with Anthony Petrucci (Star Struck, Legends in Concert) who has been with Shake Rattle ‘n’ Roll since its rebirth in 2013, and performs as the king of rock and roll, Elvis Presley. The Everly Brothers will make an appearance from entertainer greats Rick Charles (A Musical Experience with a King and Queen, Memories of Elvis) and Glenn Craven (Disco Inferno). Craven also steps into the shoes of Johnny O’Keefe while Charles brings Buddy Holly and Frankie Valli to life on stage. 

Victorian Guild Award nominee Jonathan Guthrie-Jones (Anything Goes, Jesus Christ Superstar) wows as Bobby Darin and stars alongside J’aime Holland (Moulin Rouge!) in the iconic Grease Medley, who also performs the one and only Doris Day.

Ten spectacular dancers join the cast including most recent Dancing With The Stars winner Lily Cornish, whose father also performed with the company in its early days, Daria Walczak (Strictly Ballroom), champion Highland Dancer Jessica Girvan, Josh O’Grady (Dance Academy, A Place to Call Home), and Julian Caillon (So You Think You Can Dance, Dirty Dancing, Strictly Ballroom). Rounding out the team of talented dancers are Michael Wilson (Dancing With The Stars), Stephanie Cappas (Stars of the East), ‘World Salsa Solo’ Competition winner Terry Mystakas, and new performer Mary Kimberly Cagape (Dancing With The Stars, Philippines Got Talent).

Shake Rattle ‘n’ Roll is kicking off its 2022 national tour at the Frankston Arts Centre on 16 July and Bunjil Place on 17 July, before bringing the party to Hobart, Launceston and Devonport, Tasmania from 18 August. Western Australia will be dancing down the aisles with the show playing in Bunbury on 26 August and Perth on 27 August.

The rock ’n’ roll extravaganza returns to Melbourne from 2 September, making stops at The Athenaeum before heading to Geelong, Bendigo and Ballarat. The hit show will then make its way back to the iconic Her Majesty’s Theatre in Adelaide on 1 October.

Dust off those blue suede shoes, dress up in your vintage best, and get ready to shake, rattle and roll!