2014 promises a Hard Knock Life for musical society

HOT on the heels of its successful March production of Me and My Girl, the Ennis Musical Society this week announced its plan to perform the hit musical, Annie, as its 2014 production.

The society will run with a string of six performances in late February and planning for that period is already well underway.

“There’s a lot to prepare in getting a musical performance to the stage,” commented Kate Corrigan, chairperson of Ennis Musical Society. “Our planning has started since the election of a committee at our AGM in June. Our first task involved the selection of a show and I’m pleased to announce that we have opted to put on the well-known hit musical, Annie, for our 2014 production.”

First brought to the stage in 1977, Annie is best known for lively numbers such as Tomorrow, It’s a Hard Knock Life and You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile.
“Picking a show is never an easy task,” continued Kate. “You have to weigh up a musical against the strengths of the cast, the balance between principal roles and chorus numbers, the logistics of a musical involving children alongside adult performers, as well as the public appeal of what finally gets selected. Annie ticks the boxes on all fronts. It’s a real feel-good show that’s suitable for all audiences, so we’re very confident of a successful run in the spring.”

With the task of show-selection out of the way, Ennis Musical Society must now move on to the next step of holding auditions for the principal roles. Kate says the society expects to host auditions in the autumn and will give plenty of notice to aspiring leads once dates have been set.

“Naturally, we’re going to be looking for promising young talent this year to fill the roles of Annie and her orphan friends and that’s a very exciting prospect. There are plenty of interesting adult leads to be filled – both female and male. We’ll also be seeking out a large chorus of children and adults, so we will be hoping for lots of interest among existing and new members alike.”

In addition to bringing together local performers on stage, the society’s 2014 production has another local point of interest in that Ennis’ Sarah Griffin will both direct and choreograph the performances alongside Galway-based musical director, Shane Farrell.

“Sarah has a long history of involvement with the Ennis Musical Society – both as a performer and in support roles backstage,” said Kate. “We are now delighted to see her progress on to the director role. Sarah has lots of experience and lots of great ideas. It’ll be wonderful to see local talent demonstrated in all aspects of the show.”

Further information on Ennis Musical Society and its 2014 production can be accessed on www.ennismusicalsociety.com.