Oklahoma! comes to Lahinch this week, when Ennistymon Choral Society stages the popular musical from Wednesday until Sunday.
“Oklahoma! is a wonderfully fun show full of diverse characters, beautiful, familiar music and roaring dance numbers. Cast and crew have been working very hard since last October to put on a great show for our local community.
“Set against a colourful backdrop of cowboys and farmers fighting for their rights in the changing state of Oklahoma at the turn of the 20th century, this show is packed with romance and danger, hilarious moments and roaring dance numbers,” outlined Emma-Jane Brown, secretary of Ennistymon Choral Society.
The performances will take place at Seaworld Hall in Lahinch from 8.15pm each day.
“Familiar and new faces will tread the boards this year and the society is deeply grateful for the wonderful local talent that our part of Clare has to offer,” she added.
“This year marks a new era for the society. We have a wonderful new venue in Seaworld Hall, Lahinch. Seating capacity is slightly smaller than usual, so early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. For some members, this is a trip down memory lane, as the society performed in this venue during the early 1980s,” Emma-Jane stated.
The society was founded in 1973 and members who joined shortly afterwards will take to the stage next week.
“The society is greatly indebted to our patrons and local business sponsors. Without their support, the society could not continue. This is the society’s 41st annual production; a major achievement for a community-based effort. We are delighted to welcome back our musical director, Mary Madigan-O’Callaghan; director, Peter Kennedy; and stage manager, Michael O’Loughlin,” she outlined.
“Our principle line-up this year promises a fantastic show. Michael McCormack takes on the lead role of Curly, a handsome and mischievous cowboy, intent on wooing the resistant and beautiful land-owner, Laurey, played by Caroline Kennedy-O’Keefe. Mary Lucas plays the wilful and no-nonsense Aunt Eller, the voice of reason in a world full of cowboys and farmers in the Wild West.
“James Barry takes on the challenging role of Jud Fry, an intimidating farm hand determined to win Laurey for himself. Fergus Crowe plays the innocent and naïve suitor of Ado Annie, played by Sarah Blackwell.
“The Prussian peddler up to no good is played by Mark Mulqueeny, with Sarah Conneelly-Kelly playing the role of Gertie Cummins. Craig Flanagan takes on the role of the judge, who is Ado Annie’s unrelenting father, Andrew Carnes.
“Completing the principle cast are Eoin Keane as Ike Skidmore, Ryan Doyle as Slim, Denis Creedon as Cord Elam, Carmel Thyne as Ellen and Louise McCormack as Vivian,” she concluded.
The booking office opens from 11am to 1pm on Saturday in The Square, Ennistymon, and is open from 2pm to 4pm on Monday and Tuesday and from 11am to 4pm each day of the performances.
More information is available from 065 7071828.
A native of Ennis, Colin McGann has been editor of The Clare Champion since August 2020. Former editor of The Clare People, he is a journalism and communications graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.