Josephreturnsafter a 20-year absence

KILLARNEY Musical Society is all set to write the latest chapter in the history of its long-running annual production – and some of its huge cast will be going back to the future in doing so.

It’s 20 years since a KMS production of ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ left attendees spellbound at the now-defunct Áras Phádraig. Two decades on, it’s a case of a different venue – the INEC – but the same show and, indeed, some of the same performers, as Chairperson Irene Hurley explained to The Kerryman following the event’s press night.

“Our cast is made up of more than 70 people, including over 30 children,” Irene said.

“But some of our older cast members actually took part in that production in Áras Phádraig 20 years ago! Among those is Rory Ward, who plays Joseph.

“This is our 35th production in all, and the excitement is building now. They’ve been practising intensively since we held auditions in October, but its really ramping up now as we approach the performances and perfect everything.

“We have a huge cast involved – Joseph alone had 11 brothers, but we got it all together – and the story is sung by the narrators; there’s no dialogue as such.”

The February 25 matinée is sold out, Irene explained, but tickets are still available for the nightly shows on February 25, 26, and 27. Curtains rise for each of those shows at 8pm.

It all looks set to be a very professional effort. Sets are coming in from the UK, and the renowned Pat McGann Productions is providing costumes. It also has the same production team in place as last year, with the well-known Peter Kennedy directing and the acclaimed Noel Lennon in as musical director.

“The matinée is sold out, but tickets are still available for the nightly shows from our pop-up shop at Noelle’s Café on Old Market Lane,” Irene said. “This will be open from 12pm to 4pm each day up to and including Saturday (February 22).

“You can also phone Bríd at (087) 9933411 or Phil at (087) 134 2314. All updates will be on the Killarney Musical Society Facebook page.”

Photos by Michelle Cooper Galvin. Rory Ward as Joseph (front, centre) with fellow cast members.

FRONT: Mary O’Callaghan, Karina Mulchinock, Éilise O’Donoghue, Ann Ivory, Kate Camerson, Orla Monks, Siobhan Bustin, Sheree Murphy, Cait O’Sullivan. BACK: Peter Cooke, Jimmy and Eamon Kelly, Paul O’Sullivan, Johnny Courtney, Jack Brosnan, Derry Healy, Padraig Creedon, Amanda Murray.

Rory Ward, Sheree Murphy and Ann Ivory, who performed in the show 20 years ago and will do so again in 2020.