Last year Clara Musical Society had Nazi Sympathising singing pigeons in their hilarious production of Mel Brookes’ The Producers and there will be plenty of birds on stage again this year but of a one hundred percent family friendly variety when the curtain rises next Tuesday night, April 9, for Seussical the musical. Now in their 43rd year, Clara MS are never afraid to take on new and lesser known pieces and this year is no exception. Based on the stories and characters of Dr Seuss the show will come to life with children’s favourites like Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, JoJo, Yertle the Turtle, and the Grinch to name but a few.
Seussical tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many thinks. Horton faces a double challenge - not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird.
Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping, and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. The story is narrated throughout by the mischievous Cat in the Hat and ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family, and community are challenged and emerge triumphant.
A large cast of over 50 locals, including children have been rehearsing for the past 12 weeks and are applying the finishing touches under the direction of Alan Recks with Sarah Griffin as choreographer. Alan will also take charge of the nine-piece orchestra who will bring the show tapping numbers to life.
The cast contains some of the top local performers from both Clara and its surrounds. The role of JoJo will see two well-known young local performers Conor Dolan and Ciaran Ennis perform on alternate nights. The Cat in the Hat is played by John Coss, Horton the Elephant by John Conroy, and Gertrude by Sinead Handy.
Clara Musical Society’s performances have always been must-see events in the local artistic calendar and this year’s is bound to be no different. Their quality productions through the years have gained them many national awards from AIMS (Association of Irish Musical Societies ) but productions on this scale and quality are expensive and need support to continue.
The committee have lowered ticket prices on the opening two nights to just €10 for all seats in an effort to encourage young people to attend. So why not gather the family and join in the fun with the Cat in the Hat. Seussical runs from April 9-11 at the GAA social centre at 8pm nightly.
For more information or to book tickets call (087 ) 9366247 or log on to www.clarams.com
