Kori Kilduff hails community aspect of local musicals

By Rebekah O'Reilly

Athlone Musical Society choreographer for 'The Witches of Eastwick - The Musical', Kori Kilduff, has a long and strong history with the local drama society. She grew up around local theatre, with her parents joining Athlone Musical Society in the 1980s.

She then became a member herself in 2019, performing on stage for a number of years, before taking on the role of choreographer this year.

"It's my first time choreographing a show for Athlone Musical Society, but I have always been around them. Even my grandparents were involved in Athlone Musical Society, and my dad has directed the shows for the last 10 years," she said.

"He stepped away last year, so it's like I'm taking up the mantle and keeping our family name going."

Kori's background in choreographing is based in stage schools, pantomimes, and school musicals, and she noted that she is more accustomed to working with younger performers.

"This has been a different ball game. There are people with years of experience on stage who already have a strong basis in theatre," she said.

"There are also some new faces, but there's always a core group with experience and a real love for theatre. Everyone is willing to just go for it."

She said that preparing to perform on stage for five days in a row takes weeks of preparation. Athlone Musical Society has been working on The Witches of Eastwick for over three months.

"The ensemble have been rehearsing with me since before Christmas, and even before that they were doing all their singing rehearsals. Everyone has put in a huge amount of work, and I can't wait for opening night."

Kori said her favourite part of the show is the "craic and camaraderie" amongst the cast, and the community connection between Athlone Musical Society and the audience.

"Athlone Musical Society has been around for over 100 years, I think we're the oldest society in Ireland, so to see people coming back and wanting to get involved - that's the best part," she said.

"The shows are always a great night of entertainment and there's culture there, so you can't go wrong. The big thing is the sense of community, because without the audience, there is no show. It's encouraging to still see people coming along and supporting the shows."

Performing for her second year with Athlone Musical Society, Athlone native and former Our Lady's Bower student Eva Glynn is playing Jennifer Gabriel, a role which she said she had her heart set on.

"I was pretty determined to get the role of Jennifer when I auditioned. She's quite similar to me in a lot of ways. She's bubbly, and she speaks before she thinks!" Eva said.

The 19-year-old is one of the youngest member of the musical society, second only to Eva Bergin, who is playing the role of 'little girl' in the show.

Eva said while she will "definitely have some nerves" ahead of the show, she is looking forward to getting on stage.

"We've had singing rehearsals and acting rehearsals every Sunday, and thankfully I don't have any dancing to do," Eva said.

"Every single person plays an important role, every single person can be seen. I can't wait to get on stage."