Following their hugely successful production of My Fair Lady, Athlone Musical Society returns with an old Gilbert and Sullivan favourite The New Pirates of Penzance, with an information night being held on Thursday September 24 in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel.
This information night is being held especially for new members, who would like to be part of the 2010 production of The New Pirates and to give everybody an idea of what’s involved been part of a production such as this. Following this information night, auditions will be held on Friday October 9 from 7.30pm onwards and Saturday October 10 from 10am onwards also in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel.
Last performed in the Dean Crowe Theatre in 1999 by Athlone Musical Society, it was felt that it was the type of show that would attract young and old audiences, schools, and of course a great attraction for those who would like to be a cast member of a Gilbert and Sullivan production.
A tale of Frederick who was as a child apprenticed to a band of tender-hearted, orphaned pirates by his nurse who, being hard of hearing, had mistaken her master’s instructions to apprentice the boy to a pilot! And so the story continues.
A very interesting production team is in place this year. Directing the society’s 2010 production is Paul Laycock. Paul hails from Dublin, and has being involved in musicals throughout the country for over 25 years. He has played many roles in musical societies around Dublin, and began directing in 1994. He has also received four AIMS nominations. Paul will be working alongside choreographer Niamh Donohue, who made her debut with the society last year. Chorus mistress is Heather Shine, and musical director Dr Joseph Ryan from AIT. Dr Ryan worked with the society a number of years ago, and the society are delighted to have him back on board.
A show such as The Pirates requires a large cast, and especially men. There are some very interesting leading roles available for both men and women, also lively and animated cameo roles, not forgetting the Pirate King’s many pirates, and the Major General’s many beautiful daughters.
Scripts and scores are now available for lead roles. For further information contact Mike on (086 ) 2345846.
