High kicks, head bands and leotards – it’s all about Fame

FOR the past couple of months, members of the Clare Youth Musical Society have been busy rehearsing for their debut production of Fame Jr, the Musical.

The cast will take to the Glór stage next Tuesday and Wednesday. 
According to Sarah Griffin, director of the show, “Excitement among this young and extremely talented cast is building during this final week of rehearsals. Sets are being painted, costumes are being made, props sourced and, of course, making sure every line of script and song is known off by heart.”
The cast are all aged between 10 and 25. For some of them, this is their very first time on stage, while others have been on stage with various other productions.
The cast includes Sara Howell as the fame-hungry Carmen, who sings the title song. Aisling McMahon plays the role of the sweet-acting student Serena, who is hopelessly in love with her classmate Nick (Daniel Lynch). The cast also includes Sinéad Coughlan, Conor Coughlan and Elaine Brennan, who played three of the Von Trapp children in Ennis Musical Society’s The Sound of Music in March.
“They were nominated for a national AIMS award for their performance of  So Long, Farewell in June and we are very proud to have them in our cast,” said Sarah.
Songs people will be familiar with in the show are Fame, There She Goes, I Want to Make Magic, Let’s Play a Love Scene and Bring on Tomorrow. 
“Our musical director, Doireann Wylde has been putting everyone through their musical paces and all of the music is sounding great and choreography is by Laura-Jane Allis,” said Sarah.
However, it’s not just the songs that the young performers have been working on. “We have been working with Ennis Gymnastics Club for the last month. The coaches have been an excellent addition assisting in all the tricks and lifts for the show,” she said.
Sarah also acknowledged the support given to the society on their recent flag day collection. “The people of Ennis gave us some excellent support and we are very grateful. Any show costs a lot of money to put on and we are grateful for all the support we received.”
Tickets for the show can be purchased from Glór box office on  065 6843103 or www.glor.ie. The society is also running a competition on their Facebook page. Further information can be obtained through the Facebook page, by emailing clareyouthmusicalsociety@gmail.com or phoning 087 1529591.