The cast and backstage team behind the Ballinrobe Musical Society production - A Tale of Two Cities - received a major boost yesterday when the musical’s creator, Jill Santoriello, contacted them from America to announce she is making a flying visit to Ireland next week to take in the show.
News of the award-winning American composer’s transatlantic jaunt just to see the show was described as “a major honour” by Ballinrobe Musical Society spokesperson Liz Parsons.
This is not the first time the musical society, which is ranked the number one amateur musical group in the country, has attracted high profile recognition for their work.
Les Miserables composer Claude-Michel Schönberg, and Moya Doherty of Riverdance fame also visited the south Mayo town to see their musical production of Pirate Queen in 2010.
“She’s been following us on Facebook and I think curiousity got the better of her,” said Ms Parsons. “We know this musical was a real labour of love for her (it took 20 years to create the show ) but for the actual composer to fly in unexpectedly is a huge honour and a massive boost for us. We’re very excited about it.”
Curtain goes up on A Tale of Two Cities tomorrow (Saturday ) at Ballinrobe Community School. The show runs until February 22.
Tickets, available from the Tacu Centre in Ballinrobe, are selling fast, added Ms Parsons.
