Marian Choral Society to present ‘Aida’ – The Musical

Date Published: {J}

By Declan Tierney

The ability of the Marian Choral Society in Tuam to find new talent on an annual basis was highlighted at the launch of their new production Aida – The Musical which will be stated in early November.

For the past 37 years, the group have been staging a musical in Tuam and during that time they have produced some memorable shows as well as providing a platform for many accomplished singers and actors.

It is something of an institution as far as Tuam is concerned as the annual musical is a much anticipated event and particularly as the choral society have the proud tradition of coming up with a different show each year.

And they boast the fact that Aida – The Musical is yet another Irish premiere – following on from Titanic last year – and tickets for the show, which runs from Tuesday, November 1, to Saturday, November 5, are selling well.

The musical was written by Elton John and Tim Rice although it is obviously still based on the story of Verdi’s original opera.

Chairperson of the Marian Choral Society, Tara Killilea said that she was proud that they were staging another premiere and thanked all involved in the production for months of commitment and dedication.

“It is great to see so many people involved again this year and the degree of enthusiasm has not waned from year to year. Hopefully it will be a sell out like last year’s show”, Tara added.

This year the show will be staged in the Mercy Convent hall – it has always been held in St Jarlath’s but their gym is undergoing renovations – and John Mulrooney, PRO of the society, explained that there was stiff competition from other towns to host the premiere.

The plot hinges on a forbidden love triangle involving the Pharaoh’s daughter, Amneris (Katie St John), her fiancé, Radames (Shane Kelly) and a captured princess, Aida (Bronagh Culkin).

A slave, Mereb, (Ronan Rooney) tries to help his princess, Aida, to escape back to her home country, Nubia.

Set against a backdrop of loyalty, betrayal, and forbidden love, Aida is the story of three people who are forced to make difficult choices that will alter history forever.

The show is once again directed by Enda Burke who has a long association with the Marian Choral Society while Aoife McClafferty is the choreographer with Shane Farrell the musical director. All three received great praise for their work on Titanic last year.

The main roles are supported by Louis Brennan, Kevin O’Dwyer, Amy Byrne and John Mulrooney.

Principal of Mercy Secondary School, Gearoid Leen, was thanked for making the venue available to them while the launch of the show was also attended by Cllr Tom McHugh, Cllr Shaun Cunniffe and town councillors Sally Ann Flanagan, Imelda Kelly and Eamon Kitt.