Fusion director scoops top award

IAN Milford, resident Director and Musical Director of Fusion Theatre, said ‘checkmate’ to the Association of Irish Musical Societies at their recent awards ceremony, when he picked up the coveted ‘Best Musical Director’ award for his work in Fusion’s production of Beauty and the Beast earlier this year.

When presenting the award, the compere asked Ian if he had been at the ceremony before.

Ian replied that, in fact, he had received the Best Director’s awards a few years earlier for Fusion’s ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’.

This was quite a feat as no-one has ever won awards for both roles before.

Fusion Chairperson Anne McCleary explained that Ian is almost unique in Ireland in fulfilling both roles, but that his success in both fields confirms the confidence which Fusion have always had in Ian.

Fusion Theatre have an amazing track record of awards. The winning team of Ian Milford and Rebecca Leonard have won awards for Best Direction, Best Male Voice, the Spirit of AIMS, and now Best Musical Direction, from AIMS, as well as Best Show, and Best Youth Show from the National Amateur and Dramatic Association.

In addition, there have been numerous nominations (best female voice, best actress, best choreography, and best overall show), and the group have become frequent travellers to the awards ceremony in Killarney.

Lisburn theatre-goers have a chance to see this display of talent in their latest production, Chess the Musical. The young members of Fusion are currently putting the final touches to the production, which will be performed in the Island Hall, Lagan Valley Island, from September 7-10.

Under Ian’s direction, they have spent two intensive rehearsal weekends polishing their singing, dance and the theatre of this fascinating show.

Fusion new-comers, Gareth Brown and Orla McCormick join regulars Hannah Conlon, Raymond and Jack Walsh in the leading roles, ably supported by Caolan Keaveney, Louis Patterson and the rest of the cast.

The show itself is full of fantastic numbers such as the colourful and well known ‘One Night in Bangkok’, the rock anthem ‘Pity the Child’, the soulful ‘I know him so well’, and the haunting ‘Anthem’.

Chairperson, Anne McCleary said that “Rebecca Leonard’s accompanying choreography ranges from ballet to cheerleading, creating a visual theatre of its own, and reflecting Rebecca’s own versatility.”

Ian Milford is quietly confident that Chess will be another Fusion spectacle.

Careful thought has been put into the entire direction of this show, from both a dramatic, musical, visual, and technological point of view. Ian says that he is confident that it will be a truly memorable theatrical experience for all, both on stage, and in the audience.

Tickets are on sale at the box office on 9250 9254 or online at www.tickets.lisburncity.gov.uk.

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