Enduring friendship reflects onstage bond for leading actors

Twenty years of friendship has helped to form on onstage bond between two of the leading actors in Athlone Musical Society's production of 'Witches of Eastwick'.

Linda Murray and Petrova Mulvey have been cast as focal characters in the musical adaptation of John Updike’s 1984 novel of the same name.

Longevity, in particular, certainly marks the musical career of Linda Murray. The Baylin native will play the role of Alexandra Spofford, one of three witches who are the centre of the production which starts in the Dean Crowe Theatre on Tuesday, March 3.

The award-winning actor has been 'treading the boards' with Athlone Musical Society since 1997, making her first appearance in 'Me & My Girl'.

Now in the closing week of rehearsals for opening night, Linda is looking forward to bringing the musical to a Midlands audience.

"The show is dark in humour and sultry by nature with strong songs and an ensemble which has been working very hard to ensure our audience is entertained," Linda said.

Linda has played a number of leading roles with Athlone Musical Society, "each one with their challenges", but has enjoyed rehearsing working alongside her "fellow witches", Petrova Mulvey and Cherise O'Moore and all the cast of this year's production.

"Musically, this production is as good as any previous show in which I have been involved. For me personally, it was an opportunity to play a leading part in a musical when I believed my time had passed so I'm privileged to have the role," Linda added.

Linda has been recognised for her performances in previous productions, winning 'Best Actress' at the All-Ireland Musical Society (AIMS) awards in 2007 for her role as 'Sugar' in Athlone Musical Society's production of 'Some Like It Hot'. She has also been nominated in the 'Best Singer' category for her roles in 'Chess' and 'Jekyll & Hyde' (Tullamore Musical Society) on two occasions.

The An Post Insurance employee praised the hardworking production team and ensemble for their long hours of work ahead of the five night run in the Dean Crowe Theatre next month.

"It's not just about the leading actors. From the ensemble, to hair and make-up, front of house. It takes a team to make sure that the production is the best it can be," Linda said.

Petrova Mulvey has been a member of Athlone Musical Society since 2003 and will play the role of witch Jane Smart in this year's production.

"The show was announced by the society in 2024 so I knew I was going to audition for the role, as it offered me the opportunity to work alongside two strong female actors in Linda (Murray) and Cherise (O'Moore). I know Linda for over 20 years, I first met Cherise during the society's production of Rock of Ages in 2016, so we all have strong bond on stage," Petrova said.

The Bealnamulla native said that when you reach a certain age in life, leading roles in musical productions are "limited"."I will be 50 in August, so I see myself as a role model for the 'older generation'," Petrova added.

Petrova first performed with Athlone Musical Society in 2004, part of the ensemble in the award-winning 'The Hired Man' production. The musical remains a firm favourite with her to this day.

She also won the 'Best Comedienne' AIMS award for her role as 'Katisha' in the Society's 2005 production of the 'Hot Mikado'.

Petrova has paid tribute to the collective efforts of all involved with this year's production and is looking forward to entertaining Midlands audiences for the five night run from March 3.