Letterkenny Music and Drama Group are getting ready to rock ‘n’ roll in An Grianan Theatre this winter with a huge musical production.
The multi-award-winning group is back with a jukebox musical that will have you tapping your blue suede shoes throughout.
‘All Shook Up’ is a musical comedy with a spirited story set in 1950s America and music from the Elvis Presley songbook.
Prepare for feisty characters, a heartwarming story and powerful performances that you ‘can’t help falling in love with’!
The Letterkenny Music and Drama Group have had a bit of a shake-up themselves too, as this is the first year since the retirement of director Pluincead O’Fearraigh. Pluincead has been synonymous with quality productions since the group’s foundation in 1991.
Long-time members Tina Higgins and Maire McGinley have taken over the reins to co-direct and choreograph the 2023 production.
“We have big shoes to fill but hopefully we’ll do Pluincead and everyone proud,” said Tina.
“All Shook Up is an upbeat musical that everybody is going to love. The talent is so good that you won’t want to miss it. The story is not based on Elvis’ life, but about a young roustabout who shakes up a dowdy town with no soul. Elvis’ classic hits are sung throughout and there are a few burning love stories in the mix.”
Maire McGinley, Olivia Kelly and Tina Higgins. Photo: Joanne Gallinagh
The lead stars include Niall Brennan, Danielle McElroy, Ciara Gallagher, Laura Doherty, Luke McHugh, Rodney Mc Keague, Aoife Farmer, Ciaran Gallagher, Mary Lane and Martin Anderson as Sheriff Earl.
The cast is complemented by musical direction from Denise Roper, costume design by Olivia Kelly, stage manager
Fiona Mc Daid and technical manager Niall Cranney.
Lead stars Niall Brennan as Chad and Danielle Mc Elroy as Natalie
All Shook Up Rehearsals
LMDG is buzzing to be back rehearsing following a prestigious seal of approval on the national circuit. The Associations of Irish Musical Societies honoured last year’s Calendar Girls musical with two top awards. A Special Adjudicators Award went to the ‘Naked Ladies of Letterkenny’ who bared their bodies and sang their hearts out to raise money for local charities. Ciara Gallagher also won Best Actress for her heart-wrenching performance.
LMDG has entered for consideration for AIMS Awards again this year. Tina said: “The bar really has been raised for amateur drama. Everything is so polished now, it’s nearly on par with professional productions and that is due to the dedication and talent of the cast and crew.”
Tina and Maire have been relishing every moment in their new roles.
“We are so lucky to have such a talented gang,” says Tina. “Every night I go into rehearsals smiling from ear to ear.”
All Shook Up Cast and Crew at the recent launch night in Theo’s. Photo: Joanne Gallinagh
All Shook Up features big musical numbers carried by a lively chorus. It promises to be very different from the more intimate Calendar Girls in 2022.
The group is also delighted to welcome new members this year of all ages, as well as new faces from outside Letterkenny such as Strabane, Lifford and Gweedore.
Early booking is advised to avoid disappointment, as Friday and Saturday night’s shows are already filling up fast.
‘All Shook Up’ takes to the stage at An Grianan Theatre Letterkenny from Tuesday 28th November – Saturday 2nd December 2023. Visit: https://angrianan.com/event/all-shook-up/ to book.