New West Theatre is “all fired up” by an injection of new talent for their latest show which opens at the Yates Theatre, Aug. 5.
“All Fired Up is a mixture of pop and rock hits which spans a few generations. It’s really a high energy family friendly way to 
celebrate summer,” said director Nicholas Hanson promising more “razzle dazzle” in the form of new lighting and laser effects.
“It’s been really invigorating to add four new dancers. We have four people in the band and eight people as vocalists. It’s the most bodies we’ve had on stage for a while. Then there’s the comedy, so as a result there’s quite an explosion of energy,” he added, noting he is especially excited about the new dancers.
“With TV shows like ‘So, You Think You Can Dance,’ there is a lot more interest in dancing. So we think audiences will really appreciate the high energy and intensity the dancers bring to this show,” he added.
“There’s a lot of variety and a lot of upbeat numbers which let everyone show off their vocals,” described Jessica Ens, enjoying her tenth summer performing with New West Theatre. She is enjoying working with Mark Nivet again for this production. It has been a challenge for the cast to be performing the country show (Rockin’ The Rodeo) at night while rehearsing for this one during the day.
“It’s been a lot of work, but it’s been nice to have these different genres. The last one was a lot of country music, this one is a completely rock and roll,” she said adding ‘Rockin’ The Rodeo’ was well received by the audiences. This time, the cast explore a variety of rock pop, R and B and disco hits hits from ‘Africa’ to ‘ I Feel the Earth Move.’”
They even perform Kiss’ ‘Shout It Out Loud.’ and some other ’80s hits like ‘Jessie’s Girl’ and ’I Want to Know What Love Is.’
Ens is also enthused about the comedy in this production, which is a larger cast than previously.
“We had a lot of fun writing the comedy. There’s lots of strong, funny stuff. In the last one, the comedy was so genre specific. So we’re fortunate with this one,” she said adding rehearsals are coming together well.
“The rehearsals are getting there, we’re just tying up loose ends. So I’m looking forward to it,” she said.
Newcomer Claire Lint, one of four new dancers who have is also looking forward to her stage debut with New West.
“I grew up with New West because I’m born and raised in Lethbridge,” she said adding she saw a posting for auditions and was pleasantly surprised to get the gig.
“It’s been fantastic. I’ve enjoyed working with the entire cast. Once it all gets rolling, it’s a lot of fun,” said Lint, a local dance instructor who has found learning all of these dance moves a challenge.
“The most challenging part is the endurance more in regards to the rehearsal process. We’ve had to absorb a lot of information in two weeks. It’s been trying to find the energy to pull everything together,” Lint said.
“It’s been a great summer. We feel so blessed ‘Rockin’ The Rodeo’ was received so well so we’re hoping to keep the momentum going,” Hanson said.
“We’re just hoping the audience has a wonderful night at the theatre.”
The show runs at 8 p.m. from Aug. 5-28 every Tuesday through Saturday nights with matinees on Saturdays at 1 p.m.
