*Cast members of Ennis Musical Society.
This April, glór theatre in Ennis will be transformed into a world of magic, mischief, and mayhem as the Ennis Musical Society presents its much-anticipated production of The Witches of Eastwick.
Running from April 2 to 5, this spellbinding musical promises to enchant audiences with its thrilling narrative, compelling characters, and striking performances.
Adapted from John Updike’s novel and the 1987 film starring Cher and Jack Nicholson, The Witches of Eastwick explores themes of desire, female empowerment, and the unforeseen consequences of getting exactly what you wish for.
Directed by Sarah Kenny, this production blends supernatural allure with dark humour, and promises to captivate with its evocative music, dazzling choreography, and powerful performances.
The story revolves around three women whose lives are irrevocably changed when the enigmatic Darryl Van Horne arrives in their small town. Leading the cast are Colm McGuinness as Darryl, Helen Catherine Ball as Alexandra, Olivia Parkinson as Sukie, and Isadora Killeen as Jane.
The Clare Echo attended a ‘Sunday rehearsal’ with the Ennis Musical Society which took place at the Holy Family Hall in Ennis. The day started at 1pm with a select group of ensemble members to run some smaller dance numbers, while the leads ran lines in between having their cast photos taken. The small groups were soon joined by the remainder of the cast and crew to set scenes, run dance numbers and do a full run-through of the show.
Throughout the chaos of the day The Clare Echo managed to speak with the musical’s leading man, Colm McGuinness and director Sarah Kenny to gain some behind the scenes insight into this magical production.
As a musician Colm is no stranger to performing for a live audience however unlike the majority of musical theatre performers who start out singing their hearts out in youth theatres, he didn’t take the art of theatrical performance until later in life. “A lot of the people in musical societies are obsessed with musicals, as you might have guessed, but I only did my first musical about six years ago. Before that I had only seen two musicals live, Grease and Fiddler on the roof, which my aunty Helena McGuinness starred in. So I guess it’s in my blood, though it took me a while to figure that out,” he explained.
Having discovered his passion for musical theatre only six years ago, McGuinness’s journey has led him from his debut in Chicago to now playing the charismatic stranger who sends the town into a whirlwind of desire and chaos. “I’ve had such a wonderful time in rehearsals,” says McGuinness, who is performing with the Ennis Musical Society for the first time. “Everyone is so friendly and accommodating. The talent is amazing, from the chorus singing, dancing, acting and directing, I’ve been really impressed, which shouldn’t have come as a surprise, I’ve seen two of their shows and they were both brilliant”.
Sarah Kenny, the director behind this production, brings a wealth of experience to the stage, having worked with musical societies for over two decades. “I love working behind the scenes,” says Kenny. “I listen to the music and visualize it in my head, and then work to bring that vision to life on stage. It’s a process, but when everything comes together, it’s truly magical”.
The show is a whirlwind of moving parts from start to finish. From moving sets to lighting effects there is never a dull moment throughout the production. With a huge ensemble cast of almost fifty members, Sarah explained that collaboration and trust between the members of the production team is crucial to making their collective vision come to life.
“It really requires everyone working together so there’s Laura Jane doing the choreography, Eilidh and Shane doing the music, I’m doing the direction side of things and with so many moving parts we have to trust each other that it will all work together”.
Joining Kenny is a team of exceptional creatives, including choreographer Laura Jane Allis, musical director Shane Farrell, and choral director Eilis O’Neill, all of whom work in harmony to create a truly immersive experience. “This is a show with darker, more mature themes, but it also celebrates the strength and bond of female friendship,” notes Kenny. “There’s a wonderful balance of light and dark, which we’ve worked hard to convey through both the performances and the music”.
The Witches of Eastwick has brought some new challenges to Sarah in her role as director. As a speech and drama teacher, Sarah has become accustomed to working on shows which appeal to all ages but this production brings along some more mature themes.
“It’s definitely for a much more mature audience,” Sarah explains “It’s different because of the content of the show that it is, you have to try and walk that line of making sure the show is tasteful while keeping the essence and energy from the original story”.
With over 70 years of rich history, Ennis Musical Society has earned its reputation as a pillar of the local cultural scene, consistently delivering high-caliber performances that delight audiences year after year. Past productions such as Oklahoma!, Fiddler on the Roof, Legally Blonde, and The Wedding Singer have garnered praise, and The Witches of Eastwick is poised to continue this tradition of excellence.
Tickets for this enchanting production are now available for €25 (including booking fee) at the glór Box Office or online at glor.ie. Don’t miss your chance to witness this extraordinary performance from one of the region’s most acclaimed musical societies.
The Witches of Eastwick runs from April 2 to 5, 2025, at glór in Ennis. With its captivating story, enchanting performances, and unforgettable music, this is one theatrical experience you won’t want to miss.
