The hills are alive in Ennistymon

When Julie Andrews sang “The hills are alive with the sound of music” from an Austrian mountaintop, magic happened and the most beloved movie musical was born. The adaptation of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II’s Broadway hit has thrilled audiences for years and will undoubtedly thrill again this November when Scoil Mhuire take it to an Ennistymon stage.
The Sound of Music is the tale of a fun-loving novice nun who is sent to work as a governess for a family of seven children with the hope that some time away from the convent will cure her wayward habits of frolicking in the mountainside proclaiming in song that the hills are alive with the sound of music. The Mother Abbess’s plan goes awry, however, when Maria falls head over heels for the family, including the handsome yet aloof head of the house, Captain Von Trapp.
Upon returning from their honeymoon they discover that Austria has been invaded by the Nazis, who demand the captain’s immediate service in their navy. The family’s narrow escape over the mountains to Switzerland on the eve of World War II provides one of the most thrilling and inspirational finales presented in the theatre.
“The worry with a musical that most people have grown up with is that it will not live up to expectations and also that no actress could possibly fill the shoes of Julie Andrews. Those fears will be put to rest by Amy Conneely as Maria and the rest of the sizeable cast, who will be guaranteed to win audiences over with polished performances and powerful vocals,” said teacher Mary McGlennon.
“Mairéad Healy as the Mother Abbess gives a truly wonderful rendition of Climb Every Mountain and the Von Trapp children, some of whom have been drafted in from local primary schools, will charm one and all with professional performances. With a well-tested formula of Peter Kennedy as producer and Patricia Dooley as musical director, this show is a much-anticipated event and is guaranteed to be of the usual exceptional standard,” Ms McGlennon explained.
The show will work its magic for young and old alike with two matinees in Ennistymon Community Centre on Tuesday, November 22 and Wednesday, November 23. Night shows will be staged on Thursday, November 24, Friday, November 25 and Saturday, November 26 at 8pm.
The musical’s haunting music is the main attraction, engaging the full versatility of Rodgers and Hammerstein. With its unforgettable score, the musical touches the heart of all ages and brims over with some of the most memorable songs performed on the musical stage including My Favourite Things, Do-Re-Mi, Climb Every Mountain, The Lonely Goatherd, Sixteen Going on Seventeen and of course the glorious title song.
This musical is a hearty dose of nostalgia and the perfect family treat.
For ticket details, contact 065 7071224. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.