Mary Elizabeth “Queenie” Corpus was a dynamo during her high school years in Ontario, Canada. Bright, talented, and brimming with self-confidence, she took center stage as the emcee for various school events and anchored her school’s daily live Early Morning News. Mary also showcased her acting chops in school plays, effortlessly switching between her lead roles spoken in both English and French. Alongside her theatrical pursuits, she championed numerous social causes spearheaded by the school chaplain, earning recognition for her dedicated contributions. Born to Jeanette Espina Corpus, hailing from Labo, Camarines Norte, Philippines, Mary’s roots run deep.
Mary’s academic journey led her to York University in Toronto, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Society with honors, just shy of magna cum laude. Her exceptional academic performance earned her a coveted membership in the prestigious Golden Key Honour Society. During her college years, she embarked on a part-time stint with a Filipino lawyer, laying the groundwork for her future in the legal field. Upon graduation, she dove headfirst into the realm of Family Law before transitioning to a prominent Litigation Law firm in downtown Toronto, where she honed her skills and expanded her professional horizons.
Driven by a thirst for adventure, Mary made a bold decision to spread her wings beyond her homeland. Acting on a friend’s recommendation, she set her sights on Letterkenny, a quaint town nestled in County Donegal, Ireland, approximately 240 kilometers from Dublin. There, she stumbled upon a job opportunity aligned with her expertise, leading her to relocate in January 2023. Quickly acclimating to her new surroundings, Mary found herself drawn to the vibrant local performing arts scene.
In August of the same year, spurred by a friend’s suggestion, Mary auditioned for roles in the upcoming productions of Elvis Presley the Musical and Aladdin. Despite her preference for a minor background role, fate had other plans. To her surprise, Mary was offered the coveted role of Jasmine, the enchanting Princess and love interest of Aladdin. Embracing her newfound role with gusto, Mary became an integral part of the town’s theatrical fabric.
The town of Letterkenny, with a population of 19,274 in 2016, boasts a thriving local performing arts scene anchored by esteemed organizations like the Letterkenny Pantomime Society, known for their performances at the An Grianán Theatre. Through social media platforms, news regarding auditions, acting classes, and workshops is disseminated, attracting theater enthusiasts from the community. Renowned for its success as a theater producer, An Grianán Theatre stands out among regional venues in Ireland.
Each January, the Letterkenny Pantomime Society presents a beloved panto at An Grianán, infusing well-loved fairy tale classics with a distinctive local flair. The production of Aladdin marked a significant milestone for the Letterkenny Panto, signaling a triumphant return after a four-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Participation in the Panto holds special significance for many amateur dramatics enthusiasts, woven into the very fabric of Letterkenny’s identity. For Mary, it was not just a performance but a labor of love, as the show served as a fundraiser benefiting various community causes close to her heart, such as parish work, sports, scouts, and childcare.(Editors’ note: In Ireland and UK, a pantomime, often shortened to panto, is a comical and humorous musical play based on traditional children’s stories.)
Rachel Mclaughlin, in her coverage of the Aladdin production (show dates: January 20-27, 2024) for DonegalWoman.ie, highlighted the debut performances of Chloe Borland and Mary Corpus as Aladdin and Jasmine, respectively:
“Among the panto debutantes this year are Chloe Borland and Mary Corpus who play love interests Aladdin and Jasmine and just wait ‘til you hear those voices! They are absolute naturals who were born for the stage: Chloe perfectly captures Aladdin’s boyish charm and Mary is ideal as the innocent but wayward Jasmine.
“This is a fun pantomime with an exquisite company of great performers, talented actors and vocal powerhouses who have been eagerly rehearsing to brighten up your dark January! The story of Aladdin is one of the most popular pantomimes and Letterkenny Pantomime Society brings us an updated and contemporary version of this show which is guaranteed to raise laughs.”
Rachel Mclaughlin for DonegalWoman.ie
Following the success of Aladdin, Mary seamlessly transitioned back into her daily routine. However, her time spent in the limelight had forged lasting bonds with the community. In Letterkenny, she had found not just a temporary residence but a true sense of belonging. Her mother, Jeanette, received a heartfelt note of appreciation from Patrick Doherty, director of the Letterkenny Pantomime Society, expressing gratitude for Mary’s invaluable contribution and hoping for her to continue involvement in future productions:
“Thank you, Princess Jasmine’s Mum. We were so lucky and blessed that she was a part of our pantomime family. Thank you for coming all the way from Canada to support your beautiful Mary Elizabeth aka Princess Jasmine. I sincerely hope she will stay with us for future shows.”
Patrick Doherty, Director, Letterkenny Pantomime Society
For Mary, the experience was more than just a theatrical endeavor – it was a testament to the power of community, friendship, and following one’s dreams without hesitation. As she embraced her role as Princess Jasmine, Mary embodied the timeless message of the Aladdin tale, serendipitously inspiring the youth “to pursue their dreams with unwavering determination and bravery.”
(Reported by Jojo De Jesus and edited by Rolly Borjal based on information provided and content, including production images, from the Letterkenny Pantomime Society, An Grianan Theatre, DonegalWoman.ie, Donegal News, Donegal Live.)