Looking to the next generation with the kids from Tralee Musical Society

ALL bright, new tomorrows stem from a prosperous today and if the kids at Tralee Musical Society are anything to go by, then the next generation is sure to keep the show going long into the future. This group seems to be getting bigger and better every year and just two years ago the kids’ chorus was nominated and won ‘Best Ensemble’ at the annual AIMS awards for their scene in ‘Whistle Down the Wind’.

This year’s youth production of ‘Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ was very well received by Tralee audiences and was practically sold out before opening night. With the talent in the chorus, Tralee Musical Society’s future is very bright to say the least. Below is brief chitchat with some current and future stars.

Barry Sugrue (15)

Q. What does Tralee Musical Society mean to you? A. “It means bringing all the young people interested in musical theatre together as one. It’s a fantastic feeling being with a group of people who all have the same love and appreciation for musical theatre as I do.” Q. What are your hopes for the future of Tralee Musical Society? A. “I hope TMS keeps growing and getting bigger and better. I hope we continue to push the limits of amateur musicals in Ireland. Tralee is not afraid to take risks and I hope this continues.”

Shane Riordan (18)

Q. What does Tralee Musical Society mean to you? A. “Knowing that I can make a difference to a show from back stage. This area is often over looked but it is vital to have a great show. I love the challenge of backstage and solving problems on the fly.” Q. What are your hopes for the future of Tralee Musical Society? A. “I hope to keep the standards of Tralee Musical Society as high as they are and continue to grow and get better.”

David Lynch Age (8)

Q. What’s the best part of being in Tralee Musical Society? A. “I love the feeling of being on stage and making lots of new friends I always look forward to doing a show every year; it’s my favourite thing to do.” Q. What would you like to do in Tralee Musical Society in the future? A. “I would love to play a lead just like my dad Mike. I think my favourite show is ‘Billy Elliott’ and I am taking tap dancing lessons at the moment. I would love to play Billy someday.”

Ciara Sharp (12)

Q. Why is Tralee Musical Society Important to you? A. “It’s a great way of telling people stories they may not have heard and also entertain people at the same time.” Q. If you could do any lead part in any musical with Tralee Musical Society what would it be and why? A. “I would love to do ‘Wicked’ or ‘Mary Poppins’ but I think my favourite would be Mary Poppins. I love all the songs and she also gets to fly over the audience with her magic umbrella.”

Máirtín Ó Cathasaigh (15)

Q. What does Tralee Musical Society mean to you? A. “It’s like a second family to me being on stage with them just feels right. I feel like I’m at home on stage with them it’s a great comfort for me especially this year.” Q. What else have you done to date with Tralee Musical Society? A. “I’ve played Dodger in our production of ‘Oliver’ in 2013. I was also in our award winning children’s chorus for ‘Whistle Down The Wind’ in 2014.” Q. What does it feel like to play your first main lead with Tralee Musical Society? A. “It’s a massive responsibility but I’m enjoying rising to the challenge. It’s a big show as Tralee did it 20-years ago and is much loved by the society, but I feel I’m filling the shoes of Joseph.” Q. What are your hopes for Tralee Musical Society in the future? A. “I hope that we can carry on doing shows to the highest standard and that I get to play a few more leads.”