Achill Musical and Dramatic Society's first ever production
EXCITEMENT is building in Achill before the staging of Achill Musical and Dramatic Society’s first ever production.
The cast and crew of the society are putting the final touches to their first musical, I Have a Dream, before the curtain raises for their stage debut tomorrow (Friday, February 17).
Achill Musical and Dramatic Society was established last year and I Have a Dream will be the first time such a production will be staged on the island.
“It is going to be spectacular,” promised society chairperson Grace Anne Lynch, who also doubles up in the role of Rosie in the musical. “We have been working on this production since before Christmas and in the last couple of weeks it has really started to come together.
“There is a real buzz of excitement building up around the community and we can’t wait to take to the stage and put on a show to remember.”
A romantic comedy, I Have a Dream is based around the songs of the successful Swedish pop group Abba. Set on an idyllic island, the show follows the fortunes of young lovers Sky and Sophie as they prepare for their wedding day and Sophie’s somewhat haphazard attempts to discover the identity of her father.
Francis Sweeney plays the role of Sky while Tracy Hall from Castlebar plays Sophie. Other cast members include Tracy Hanley as Donna and Siobhán Campbell as Tayna, with Stephen McNulty, Seán Lyons and Seán Swift playing the roles of the three possible fathers.
The cast have been working under the guidance of director Sharon Guthrie, choreographer Jason Guthrie, both from Castlebar, and musical director Phil Duffy.
For the majority of the cast, this will be the first time they have taken to the stage but Jason said that they have taken to the experience like a duck to water.
“The enthusiasm and commitment from the extremely talented cast and hard working committee is fantastic. There is real talent in Achill and many would not be out of place in more established musical societies. They are going to give the public a show to remember,” he said.
The opening show will be held tomorrow (Friday) night in Coláiste Acla, Dooega, on Achill Island, followed by a matinee on Saturday afternoon (February 18) and the final show later that evening.
Tickets are currently on sale in Achill Sound and Keel post offices, Achill Tourism Office, and online at www.eventbrite.ie. For more ticket information, contact Marion on (098) 47389 or check out their Facebook page and Twitter account.