Athlone musical is back on track with new dates announced

Athlone Musical Society's production of the Elvis-themed show All Shook Up is now set to go ahead in June after new dates were confirmed.

The show was initially expected to take place in March but its postponement due to the pandemic was announced last month.

Now the musical society has announced it's all systems go for the production to happen at the Dean Crowe Theatre in early June.

"Due in no small part to the collaboration between the committee, the production team, cast, crew, and the Dean Crowe Theatre, the 2022 production will now go ahead in June," said the musical society in a statement this morning (Thursday).

"The show will run over the June Bank Holiday weekend, with opening night on Friday, June 3. There will be matinee and evening performances on the Saturday and Sunday, followed by the finale on Monday, June 6.

"While this will be a departure from our usual schedule, the addition of matinee performances will attract families with younger children, tourists, and groups of friends, and will also allow options for people who wish to travel to Athlone to see the show."

All Shook Up is described as "a madcap musical comedy" which is loosely based on Shakespeare's Twelfth Night and features many of Elvis Presley's most famous songs.

"All Shook Up tells the story of a small-town girl with big dreams and the motorcycle-riding roustabout she falls for. Among the many hits that will have you jumping out of your blue suede shoes are, Love Me Tender, Heartbreak Hotel, Hound Dog, and It's Now or Never.

"All Shook Up is guaranteed to knock your socks off!" said the musical society.

The committee's chairperson, Joan Larkin, said: "The society is thankful to their production team, director Alfie Kilduff, musical director Ger Madden, and choreographer Jay Molyneux for helping us keep the show on the road.

"We are delighted that the Dean Crowe Theatre is available to us in June. The cast are eagerly waiting to get back into rehearsals so that this production is even bigger and better than before.

"The arts community, as well as everyone, have had a difficult couple of years, and staging a show in 2022 is the boost we all need.

"We really hope that Athlone will come out and support our Society this June Bank Holiday weekend. We guarantee a great evening's entertainment!"