Don’t miss The Sound of Music!

This is a special year for the Portrush group, as 2012 marks 60 years since they first hit the stage in the pantomime Red Riding Hood for three nights in Portrush Town Hall.

Fast forward 60 years and Ballywillan is now established as one of the leading musical theatre groups in Ireland, with their annual musical a must for many.

To celebrate this special milestone the group decided to revisit one of their first musicals - The Sound Of Music.

Since 2006, when The Sound of Music was in the London Palladium and its subsequent UK and world tours, musical theatre groups could only look on in envy as the show filled theatres night after night.

The rights finally became available from the start of January and Ballywillan Drama Group are absolutely delighted to celebrate their Diamond Jubilee with such a famous and well-known show.

Following very competitive auditions last June, a superb principal cast was chosen with Laura Douglas, Alan McClarty, Olive Hemphill, David Ferguson and Maxine McAleenon securing the starring roles.

In equally hotly contested children’s auditions in September, two wonderful sets of children won through to play the Von Trapp family. Two Gretls, two Martas, two Kurts and two Brigittas were chosen so that these younger children could alternate performances during the three week run of the show.

The production team is led by Brian Logan, Director, Eric Boyd, Musical Director and Sharon Logan, Company Choreographer; ably assisted by Alan McClarty, Assistant Director, Laura Fisher, Assistant Choreographer and Andrew Robinson, Assistant Musical Director.

Brian commented: “We are pleased and proud of all who have contributed to this fantastic spectacular in any way. Bringing a taste of the West End to local audiences requires a lot of people. Along with the cast you see onstage, there are many who are working just as hard in our stage team, props team and wardrobe, to mention just a few of the jobs that must be done.”

Booking for The Sound of Music is open at the Riverside Theatre: 02870 123 123 or book on line at www.riversidetheatre.org.uk. Ticket prices start at £16 and there are generous concessions available.