Castlebar Musical and Dramatic Society stages 'A Comedy Tonight'

The Castlebar Musical and Dramatic Society (CMDS) has started its season with a big bang.

Not only are they holding principal and chorus auditions today (Sunday) for their next show, Sister Act, due to be staged in the TF Royal Theatre in March 2025, but they are staging A Comedy Tonight, which consists of three of local playwright Ken Armstrong’s plays, in the Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar, on Thursday and Friday, October 17 and 18, at 8 p.m.

"Knowing that Ken is a playwright, we thought it would be fun to take on a trio of his plays for our annual theatrical production, and it has proven to be just that. We are, after all, a dramatic as well as a musical society," said Anne Marie Gibbons, chairperson of the society.

Although he doesn’t talk about them very much, Ken has written over 30 plays. These include films, radio plays, and, of course, theatre plays, a number of which have received awards and multiple productions over the years.

The three plays of Ken’s that CMDS has chosen for its October shows at the Linenhall are Dance Night, Conception Pregnancy and Bert, and Two for a Tenor.

In the short play Dance Night, a talk about the magic of theatre is waylaid by a confused gentleman. In Conception, Pregnancy and Bert, a botched hypnotic suggestion leads to a very awkward experience for an expectant Dad.

In Two for a Tenor, two sisters face the possibility of eviction from their home while vying for the attentions of an internationally famous singer.

Ken’s plays are warm and often laugh-out-loud funny, with an occasional tinge of heartfelt emotion. They always prove popular with their audiences.

Tickets available at www.thelinenhall.com or at (094) 9023733.

Sister Act is the feel-amazing musical comedy smash based on the hit 1992 film that has audiences jumping to their feet! Featuring original music by Tony and eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken (Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors), this uplifting musical was nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier (famously played by Whoopi Goldberg in the 1992 film) witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in one place the police are sure she won't be a found: a convent.

Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community but, in doing so, blows her cover. Soon, the gang is giving chase only to find them up against Deloris and the power of her newly found sisterhood.

Filled with powerful music, outrageous dancing and a truly moving story, Sister Act is full of amazing roles for women and men, making this a perfect choice for community theatres.

If you fancy joining CMDS and auditioning for a part/to join the chorus, send an email to castlebarmds@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page (Castlebar Musical & Dramatic Society) or Instagram (castlebarmds) and register to audition.