Putting together the upcoming SUNY Oswego production of “All Shook Up,” opening April 16, has helped build meaningful hands-on experience for the cast and crew of the musical.

Presented by Oswego’s Theatre and Music Departments, “All Shook Up” uses classic Elvis Presley songs to tell the story of a young man named Chad who turns a small town upside down through music and dancing. 

The plot reflects the transformative power of the arts that participants have experienced in their own lives.

Theatre faculty member and director Steven Mazzoccone, an Oswego alum, has had a passion for theatre from a young age. The SUNY Oswego Theater Department fostered that passion. When coming to Oswego as a student, Mazzoccone’s love of theater was able to grow. 

“When I got here, I sort of learned more about the production aspect, about the craft of acting and directing,” Mazzoccone recalled. “I feel a really special bond with the department having come back here after having a lot of other experiences and training.” 

Having directed multiple productions within the theater department, Mazzoccone is familiar with the caliber of work it produces. “We’re able to bring a production with a lot of quality across a lot of different areas of theater,” said Mazzoccone.

Aiden O’Brien, who plays Chad in the production, was fascinated by the department as soon as he became familiar with it. 

“I immediately knew that Oswego was the place I wanted to be,” O’Brien said. “It really felt so welcoming from the jump, and I could tell there was so much passion for theatre at this school. I knew I had to be a part of it.” 

He also said he has learned a variety of things about theater since starting at SUNY Oswego. “Oswego has exposed me to the other aspects of theatre that I wasn’t exposed to before,” O’Brien said. “I’m learning about all aspects that make theatre possible, which in turn is making me appreciate it even more.”

Assistant costume designer Cadence Vanderstouw has also found a deeper appreciation for theater. 

“At Oswego, I’ve been able to get a look behind the curtain and see where the magic happens to prepare shows,” Vanderstouw noted. “Being able to engage with the text of plays as an actor, designer, and director with meaningful guidance from professors and their expertise has inspired me greatly.” 

Even though this is only the second production for assistant choreographer Jackson Henderson, he has quickly noticed how special it is to become part of one of the SUNY Oswego Theater Department’s productions 

“That experience alone helped me understand the deeper level of appreciation and analysis required to succeed in such an immersive program,” said Henderson.

Henderson also described how the department itself has helped him grow as an individual in the theater field. 

“Working and taking classes in the department has created an extremely deeper connection with theater arts,” Henderson explained. “The classes offered, attacking several aspects of the industry, are extremely immersive and taught by professors with direct experience in the field.” 

“All Shook Up” will have curtains at 7:30 p.m. on April 16, 17, and 25, with 2 p.m. matinees on April 18 and 26, in Tyler Hall’s Waterman Theatre.

Tickets are free for SUNY Oswego students, $15 for all others, and available at the SUNY Oswego Box Office or online at tickets.oswego.edu.