STELLAR performances lit up the stage at Scariff Community College recently as East Clare Musical Society (ECMS) returned after a two-year pause.

With a three-night run, ‘A Night at the Musicals’ showcased a wealth of talent and brought together familiar faces and new voices in a highly entertaining feast of musical theatre.

The previous show, held in early 2020, saw tickets sell out in record time, just before the outbreak of the pandemic. While the dust had gathered during two difficult years of Covid, a revitalised cast and crew produced one of the most vibrant and eagerly-awaited show in recent times.

Led by musical director John O’Brien with the accompaniment of Anne Cullen and Steve Lawrence, ECMS welcomed songbird Vashti Curran back to the stage from a very successful year-long residency performing cabaret in Germany.

Also taking to the stage were other highly talented singers, most of who graced the stage in the 2020 show.

Among them were Paul Conroy, Edel O’Grady, Cathal Moloney, Ruth O’Hagan, Jim and Maeve O’Brien, Sarah King, Brendán Baguio, Ger and Caoimhe Treacy, Sandra and Chloe O’Halloran, Sinéad and Louise O’Callaghan, Sarah Kate McConnell, Michelle Fitzsimons, Miriam Smith, Eoin Heffernan, Mags McGrath, Orlaith Nihill and, Conor McGrath and Rob Kerby of The After Eights aka the Killaloe Male Voice Choir.

These performers were joined on stage by a chorus line made up of local singers and dancers, choreographed by Sarah Allen who is assisted by Claire O’Sullivan.

The chorus lines numbers were boosted by many of Scariff Community College’s Transition Year Students.

With cabaret-style seating, audiences were able to enjoy some East Clare hospitality, while being treated to some big numbers from Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, A Little Night Music, Jesus Christ Superstar, Cabaret, A Star is Born, Oliver, Jekyll and Hyde, Jersey Boys, Mamma Mia, Dream Girls, South Pacific, Wicked, My Fair Lady, Chicago and West Side Story.

Following the hugely successful run, ECMS extended a special word of thanks to Scariff Community College Principal Angela Murphy McNamara and all the staff for allowing them to take over their hall for two weeks of preparation and performance.