‘All Shook Up’ musical to take Ballinrobe by storm

‘YOUNG LOVE’ ?John Byrne as Dean and Alison Madden as Lorraine.

‘All Shook Up’ musical is set to take Ballinrobe by storm


Mike Finnerty

BUILDING on a strong tradition that dates back to 1944, the cast and crew of the award-winning Ballinrobe Musical Society are pulling out all the stops for this year’s production ‘All Shook Up’ which kicks off next Sunday with a matinee show at Ballinrobe Community School (3pm).
The 60-strong cast and backstage crew are busy this week putting the final touches to the ‘feelgood’ 50s show which has all the hits of Elvis Presley with a story inspired by William Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night’.
Dusting off their blue suede shoes and perfecting their hip swivels, the auditorium in Ballinrobe Community School was a hive of activity last Tuesday night as local media gathered to get a taster of what this year’s show has to offer.
After some years of high drama with the society’s acclaimed productions of ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ and ‘Evita’, the society will be transporting audiences back to the 1950s for this light hearted, family friendly comedy.
Ballinrobe Musical Society Chairperson Des Treacy told The Mayo News that the ‘Jukebox musical’ is ‘pure entertainment’ and a lively show for ‘all the family’.
“It’s coming together really well, a lot of work has been put in by the cast and crew and it’s just going to be an amazing show. People are delighted with the choice of show they’re going to love the music and the comedy,” he said.
This year the society’s singing and dancing is again being perfected by the very experienced musical director Finola Higgins-Cosgrove and choreographer Aoife McLafferty, while Directors Brian and SeΡn Power are putting their signature stamp on proceedings.
Once again the society has cut no corners when it comes to wowing audiences with the set. The construction crew, led by Michael Coen, have been working tirelessly since last September to create an impressive stage that will even include a roller-coaster.
Taking up the reins as stage manager this year is long-time crew member, John O’Shea.
The principal cast members are a great mix of local and regional talent with Ballinrobe native Laura Rochford playing landlady Sylvia and the lead role, Chad, filled by talented Tuam native Louis Brennan. Chad’s love interest is played by fellow Tuam singer, Emer Kelly.
“I just love it, the craic, the music, and the social scene,” explained Laura Rochford, who is taking part in her eleventh show. “It’s a great way to pass the winter.”
The youngest member of the cast, 17-year-old Alison Madden, is enjoying the build-up to first show with the renowned society. Alison is no stranger to the stage, however, she wowed audiences in Ballinrobe Community School’s 2013 production of ‘Guys and Dolls’.
The Ballinrobe teenager plays the rebellious Lorraine who falls for Dean, a role filled by Partry native John Byrne.
Having played the leather-jacketed roustabout, Chad, in 2010 with Marian Choral Society Tuam, Louis Brennan couldn’t resist joining the South Mayo outfit for this production.
“I always had great admiration for Ballinrobe Musical Society, and I had such a good time doing this show before, that when I knew the society were doing it, that’s what clinched it for me,” he said. “It’s such a feel-good comedy and we’re having so much craic rehearsing for what should be brilliant show.”
The finishing touches are being put in place this week to transform the school auditorium into a West End-Style theatre with tiered seating; so all that is left for the people of the region to do is pick up those tickets.
‘All Shook Up’ opens on Sunday, February 15 with a 3pm matinee followed by seven nightly performances (including Sunday night). The show starts at 8pm nightly.
Tickets are priced at €20, with concessions available on Tuesday, February 17 and Wednesday, February 18 at €15 for OAP/Students and €10 for a child. Family tickets (two adults and two children) at €50 each. A 10 percent discount is available for groups of ten or more.