Callum Farrell (Chad) and Molly Grant (Natalie) play the lead roles.

Columba College channel Elvis to stage ‘All Shook Up’ at arts centre

Olga Aughey

Published: Wed 29 Mar 2023, 10:03 AM

Following the massive success of Columba College’s debut production, Grease the Musical, anticipation has been building for their next show, All Shook Up, at Mullingar Arts Centre on Thursday and Friday March 30 and 31.

The TY class of 2020 were due to perform the musical when Covid-19 struck and the show had to unfortunately be cancelled. Three years later the students of Columba College are set to take centre stage once again as they embark on their theatrical journey, picking up from where the previous TYs left off.

The principle cast of All Shook Up. Back row: Romy Allen, Elliot Campbell, Aniela Elwartouska and Oscar Treacy. Middle row: Shinon Shalom, Emma Ruby, Gary Delaney and Zach Doran. Front row: Hannah Finnerty and Doireann Finn.

All Shook Up is a heart-warming story about following your dreams and is jam-packed with classic hits by Elvis Presley.

The students of Columba College have been rehearsing for several months and are looking forward to make their stage debut. All year groups are represented, and the students are working hard on their singing and dancing every week.

Siobhan Murphy, the school’s music teacher and musical director of the show, thanked everyone for their help and hard work over the last few months.

Siobhan Murphy (music teacher) with the ensemble cast.

“The students have worked incredibly hard and I am so proud of what they have accomplished,” Ms Murphy told the Westmeath Examiner. “All transition year students are involved, as are students from the other years, and we also have 15 staff members taking to the stage, so it really is a team effort.”

Siobhan went on to thank Sean Lynch and all the staff at Mullingar Arts Centre, along with Lisa Coogan and Marie Egan from the Royal House of Dance for the time that they have spent working with the students, putting them through their paces throughout the winter months in preparation for the production.

Some of the staff members from Columba College who are taking part in the show.

“They’ve had great fun learning the choreography and getting ready for the show. I’m super proud of them all and they’ve really put in Trojan work,” said Siobhan, who went on to thank all staff members of Columba College for their assistance during the rehearsals for the show, and principal Dermot Brady and deputy principal Margaret Coady for their support, as well as Killucan GAA for the use of their facilities.

“The night promises to be full of fun, laughter and song, and definitely one not to be missed,” added Siobhan. “Anyone attending will definitely leave with a spring in their step and all shook up!”

There are three performances of All Shook Up, commencing with a matinee on Thursday at 11am for schools, following by two evening shows on Thursday and Friday at 7.30pm

Tickets are on sale now from 044 93 47777 and online at mullingarartscentre.ie.