Local musical society announces 2023 production
Athlone Musical Society has announced that Chess will be its 2023 musical.
Chairperson Joan Larkin said: “We wanted to bring something a bit different to the Athlone audience and we feel we have done this in choosing Chess for our next production. We are delighted to bring back our award-winning production team of Alfie Kilduff, Ger Madden and Jay Molyneux who will put their unique stamp on the musical. We are sure audiences will love the production and we cannot wait to cast the show and get into rehearsals.”
With music from music by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus of the pop group ABBA, lyrics by Ulvaeus and Tim Rice, and book by Rice, this musical is set in 1984. At the height of the Cold War, two chess masters meet in Bangkok to battle for the world championship, but their greatest contest is for the love of one woman. What has made ‘Chess: The Musical’ so loved over the years is the score and people will instantly recognise songs such as “One Night in Bangkok”, and “I Know Him So Well” which became international hits
The show will be staged in March.
The announcement was made at the society's AGM in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel on Friday. Outgoing Chairperson Joan Larkin gave an overview of the society’s year, which was its 120th year and what a great year it turned out to be for the society. Joan thanked the committee, production team, cast and crew for putting in the work that was required to bring “All Shook Up” to stage over the June Bank Holiday. It was a bold decision to go ahead with the show outside its normal March staging, but the decision proved to be a great one, culminating in 10 AIMS nominations, with the society winning five, including runner up in the Best Show category. Joan acknowledged the immense support from local businesses and the community which is vital to the society's continued success.
A new committee was also elected for the upcoming season with Joan Larkin re-elected as Chairperson. Benny Irwin was re-elected as President. Joan is joined on the committee by Cherise O’Moore as Vice-Chairperson, Lisa Ann Roche secretary and Veronica Dalton Treasurer. Mike Keena was nominated as Business Development Officer. The PRO team comprises, Laura Hannon PRO (social media), and Emer Kilroy PRO (Print), Celine Slevin PRO (Programme). Hannah Dowling and Eunen Keyes make up the committee team.
The new committee is wasting no time in getting to work on the 2023 production..
Auditions will be held shortly to cast the show and details will be announced once finalised.
The production will run in the Dean Crowe Theatre, over two weekends, in early March 2023.