Phil Duffy, Edel O'Neill, Siobhan Campbell and Emma Kilkelly at the launch of All Shook Up. Photo: Trish Forde

Theyre going to be all shook up in ballinrobe

MOVING away from the more serious drama such as Titanic and more recently Eva Peron, which won them such wide acclaim, Ballinrobe Musical Society have turned their hand to a musical comedy, All Shook Up, which will be staged over seven nights next February, including a Sunday matinee. A novelty element has been added by making one of the nights a fancy dress night, so get out those blue suede shoes and anything else in the closet from the ‘60s and ‘70s, writes Patrick Hennelly.

Auditioning for the lead roles and chorus has started this week but the good news for followers of Ballinrobe Musical Society -and they do have their followers - is that Finola Higgins-Cosgrove is once again musical director, while the choreography is in the very safe and capable hands of Aoife McClafferty.
The show also has directors of Galway Musical Society, Brian and Seán Powers, on board.

Chairman of Ballinrobe Musical Society, Des Treacy, said at the launch: “I first joined Ballinrobe Musical Society back in 1999 and at the time I remember going to see Brian and Seán’s production of Cabaret, and they did a fabulous job, so we are really excited to have them involved this year. We have had meetings with them and they have their own ideas and we also have ours, so when everything gels it will be really exciting and a show that we are all relishing.”

Des thinks that the addition of some new cast members will prove very successful. “You need freshness in every show and it is great that we are in the process of getting some new cast members as well as that is important.”

The hilarious musical comedy by Joe DiPeitro, set to the musical of the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, Ballinrobe Community School will be shaking, rattling and rolling to the sounds of classics like ‘Jailhouse Rock’ and ‘Blue Suede Shoes’, to name a few.

Ballinrobe Musical Society chose All Shook Up because it’s a tremendously funny, upbeat, and entertaining show. Elvis Presley’s iconic music is instantly recognisable by audiences of all ages.

“We may also have a fancy dress competition where people can dress up as Elvis, and that will also add to the fun element,” added Des.

Auditions in the Parish Centre got underway last evening (Wednesday) for singing and continue tonight at 8.15 p.m. for drama and dance. Anyone interested in taking part in the show is encouraged to come along tonight to meet the new directors and get a feel for the show. Additional audition slots for principal roles will be available on Wednesday, September 24, for those unable to attend the first round.
If you are 18 or over, can sing, enjoy performing and would like to spend the winter having great craic with like minded people, then why not join Ballinrobe Musical Society? Details can be found on www.ballinrobemusicalsociety.com, as well as Facebook and Twitter. You can also call PRO Liz Parsons on (087) 6610007 if you would like to find out more.