Three national nominations for Claremorris Musical Society
THE cast and crew of award-winning Claremorris Musical Society (CMS) certainly have a lot to sing about right now.
After a break from the stage of over two years due to Covid, they returned with a bang, presenting the highly acclaimed Sister Act in Claremorris Town Hall Theatre at the end of May.
So successful was the production, CMS have secured three national nominations in the Association of Irish Musical Societies (AIMS) Awards, taking place in the Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney, on June 18.
The pinnacle of the Irish musical theatre calendar each year, nominations were secured by Joff Manning for Best Actor in a Supporting Role as ‘Sweaty Eddie’, Vivienne Lee - Best Actress in a Supporting Role as ‘Mother Superior’, and Marilyn Bane - Best Female Singer for ‘Deloris Van Cartier’.
All three have many years experience on stage and completed a line-up of extremely talented principal and chorus members, including Nicole Scott, Suzanne Garvey, Maria McNulty as Sisters Mary Robert, Mary Patrick and Mary Lazarus, Ciaran Kiely as Monsignor O’Hara, David Alexander as Curtis, and his sidekicks Gearóid Herraghty and Gerard Scott as TJ and Pablo.
The society wanted to come back with a lively, upbeat, heart-warming show and this one ticked all the boxes, with all four shows sold out, and feedback from audiences has been fantastic.
Over 50 people were involved in the production, and the high standard was thanks to the hard work and dedication of the society, which welcomed many new members this year. The hardworking and highly experienced production team - Donna Ruane (director), Deirdre Lee (musical director) and Claudia O’Sullivan (choreographer) - were delighted with the high standard exhibited each night and the huge commitment given by every cast member throughout the rehearsal period.
CMS founder June Allison Keane said: "It was fantastic to be back doing what we love and hearing the cheers of the audience each night. Food for the soul!
"We are so proud of our three nominees and wish them the very best of luck in Killarney."
CMS welcomed several dignitaries to the show, including Rob Donnelly, national president, AIMS, Feargal Cavanagh, vice-president, Suzanne O’Leary, AIMS adjudicator, and Clodagh Farrell, AIMS administrator. All thoroughly enjoyed the show and spoke enthusiastically with the cast backstage afterwards, commenting on the energy and enjoyment clearly visible from the involved!
Adjudicator Suzanne O’Leary described the show as ‘a thrilling triumph for Claremorris Musical Society. On the back of a difficult year you managed to bounce back and deliver to your audiences a priceless gift….joy'.
Wishing Joff, Vivienne and Marilyn the very best as they represent the society in Killarney.