The countdown has officially commenced to Athlone Musical Society’s 120th anniversary production of 'All Shook Up' and the excitement is most definitely building.
The Society was founded in 1902, featuring such shows as 'The Mikado' and 'The Pirates of Penzance' in 1907 and 1908. After World War Two, the Society produced and staged musicals every year up until 2020, when they staged 'Joseph and his amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'. The show was an enormous success, winning four awards at the annual AIMS awards ceremony, including 'Best Director' for Alfie Kilduff and 'Best Overall Show'.
From that highpoint came the onset of the pandemic. It was not possible to produce and stage a show in 2021 and it is therefore so exciting for Athlone Musical Society to finally return to the stage and bring a fabulous production to the Dean Crowe Theatre this June Bank Holiday weekend!
“We are so thrilled to be once more able to stage our production and bring musical theatre back to audiences. We have turned the page and are asking the people of Athlone to once again come out and support the Society by coming to our show.
"We could not have done this without our fantastic patrons and sponsors who have continued to give us generous support. The local business community are themselves faced with significant challenges following the pandemic and their unwavering support is very much appreciated.
“The Society sadly lost a number of members over the course of the past two years, and we are remembering them and their contributions to the Society through the years as we bring this year’s production to stage," chairperson Joan Larkin, stated.
'All Shook Up' was first performed by Athlone Musical Society in 2012 and now, on our 120th Anniversary, Elvis has dusted off his blue suede shows and is back in town!
'All Shook Up' brings us to 1955, when - into a square little town in a square little state - rides a guitar-playing roustabout who changes everything and everyone he meets. It’s a hip-swiveling, lip-curling musical fantasy that’ll have you jumpin’ out of your blue suede shoes with such classics as 'Heartbreak Hotel', 'Jailhouse Rock' and 'Don’t Be Cruel'. This light-hearted, energetic and optimistic musical is a perfect way to spend a couple of hours with friends or family.
“We have been waiting for this moment for the past two years. When the curtain raises on June 3, we look forward to seeing audiences enjoying the results of the months of hard work and preparation that Athlone Musical Society’s cast crew and committee have put in. We guarantee they will not be disappointed," Joan enthused.
Six performances will take place during the June bank holiday weekend with the opening show on Friday, June 3, at 8pm.
Further performances will take place on Saturday, June 4, at 2.30pm and 8pm, on Sunday, June 5, at 2.30pm and 8pm, with a final show on Monday, June 6, at 5pm.
Tickets can be booked through the Dean Crowe Theatre booking office on 09064 92129, which opens each day at 10.30am or online at deancrowetheatre.com
Keep an eye on the Athlone Musical Society Facebook and Instagram pages Athlone Musical Society, for updates.
