*Rear (L-R): Grace Burke, Kรฉvin Saudรฉ, Michael Hartigan, Kieran Riley, Eva Kidney, Aoife Daly, Fionn OโSullivan, Cassidy Ryan, Michelle Fitzsimons, Jill McMahon, Mags McGrath. Centre (L-R); Hannah Moloney, Rhys McNamara, Louise OโCallaghan
East Clare Musical Society will be celebrating their 20 year anniversary with a reprise of the society’s inaugural production โJoseph and His Amazing Technicolour Dream Coatโ showcasing local talent and community spirit that has been the foundation of the society since its beginning.
Musical Director Sarah King, who took over from Ruairรญ Maloney this year, credits the societyโs success to its strong, committed members. โItโs all about the community,โ she says. โEveryone is local, and we all come together to create something specialโ.
The society was founded by Johnny OโBrien, who has since stepped away and passed the torch to the next generation, and will return for the show to play the piano. Sarah reflects on the impact Johnny had on the group, saying, โHe was always focused on handing over the leadership to the next generation, and Iโm proud to carry that legacy forwardโ.
This yearโs production features a talented cast, many of whom have grown with the society. Rhys McNamara, who started in the society aged eleven, now takes on the lead role of Joseph nine years later. โI started off in the kids chorus looking up to the adults and now I am the lead and there is this group of kids looking up to me. Itโs amazing to have this role in the 20 year anniversary showโ.
Hannah, a first-time performer with the society, plays one of the narrators. โItโs been such a welcoming experience,โ she shares. โEveryoneโs been so supportive, and itโs great to be part of such a high-standard productionโ.
The community effort goes beyond the stage, with support from local businesses and volunteers like Fiona Hall, who handles front-of-house, and Conor McGrath who will be playing the Pharo has also taken on the job of building the sets.
The show is packed with energetic songs, dances, and colourful costumes that appeal to all ages. โItโs a show the whole family can enjoy,โ says Hannah. โThereโs no need to find a babysitter, just bring the kids along.โ
As the East Clare Musical Society celebrates two decades of incredible performances, itโs clear that this yearโs production is a testament to the societyโs passion, talent, and deep-rooted community spirit.
