"Oklahoma is one of the all-time successes of the musical world and was first produced in 1943 making an immediate impact. The Athlone Musical Society is probably best known for its outstanding choral work and in this year's production this will be given full scope with the magnificent final chorus".

It's funny how history can repeat itself. That is an excerpt from The Westmeath Independent from March 9, 1969.

That year was the first time that Athlone Musical Society had performed the classic musical written by legendary duo Rodgers and Hammerstein. That year it was a great success, so much so the society performed the show again in 1978.

In March 2013, Athlone Musical Society will perform Oklahoma for the third time. It will be the society's 111th production. It is expected to be a must see for anyone in the midlands, and with the same production team that took the helm of last year's rip-roaring success of All Shook Up it is sure to live up to those expectations.

All Shook Up was so huge that it was performed again at Easter for two nights due to popular demand. It was also nominated for the best chorus at the AIMS awards, so expect fireworks for that final number in Oklahoma.

On both previous incarnations of the show in Athlone, the leading lady was Sadie Flanagan. Sadie has a wonderful legacy of performing as the leading lady in almost 20 Athlone Musical Society shows. Her performances of Laurie in both 1969 and 1978 went down brilliantly with all who attended. The people of Athlone were extremely proud that such a talent was in their midst, and are still proud of the town's wonderful society.

Supporting roles were Liam Duan as Ali Hakim, who was winner of the Best Comedian award, Marguerite Smith as Ado Annie, Mary Gahan as Aunt Eller and the demanding role of Jud Fry was played by Joe Lacken. This year's show will be directed and choreographed by Mary MacDonagh, who returns after last year's great spectacle. She will be assisted by Stefan Jorgenson, who is also returning from last year's show. The musical director will be Enda O'Connor and Chorus Mistress will be Heather Shine. The entire returning production team have a great vision for the classic that is Oklahoma, but will also bring a fresh aspect to the show that audiences are sure to enjoy.

This year's committee consists of President Brendan Irwin, Chairman Paschal Gough, Vice Chairman Terry Jackson, Treasurer Olivia Sugrue, Secretary Allana Kenny, Marketing & Publicity Laura Hannon, Business Manager Tony Dalton, Patrons & Sponsors Joan Larkin, Committee Alfie Kilduff, Jonathan O'Brien, Michael Duffy, John McGee

Auditions for this year's show will take place in the Dean Crowe Theatre on Monday, October 22 at 7pm. There will be a pre-audition workshop taking place on Monday October 15 in the Dean Crowe Theatre at 7pm. If you are interested in joining the society this will be a great chance to meet new and current members, as well as the production team who will talk us through the show and audition pieces.

For further information contact the society on 086 0279110 or check out the website at www.athlonemusicalsociety.com. You can also join Facebook page.