We’re off to see the Wizard – with 9 Arch

A cast of more than 60 will go on stage in the City’s Town Hall Theatre next week for The Wizard of Oz, the 11th production from Claregalway’s 9 Arch Music Society.

The much-loved musical, telling the story of Dorothy’s adventures in Oz, will run from next Tuesday, November 19, to Saturday, November 22, with a matinee on the Saturday.

Dorothy is being played by Corrandulla girl, Sarah Maguire. It’s the second lead part with 9 Arch for this excellent young talent, who is working hard, along with her Munchkin friends, in final rehearsals Their singing, acting and dancing promise to deliver a memorable show.

Three talented adult leads are joining 9 Arch for this show, Tara Spellman is the Scarecrow; Jonathan Hopper is the Tin Man, and newcomer, Michael Cooney, plays the comical Cowardly Lion. Meanwhile, Anne O’Donnell is the Good Witch, Glinda, Amanda Stuart Heaney is the Wicked Witch. The main leads head up an adult chorus of more than 25, along with almost 40 children in the junior group

The show’s musical director is Shane Farrell, a familiar and popular figure with Nine Arch. Also returning is Peter Kennedy who has a wealth of experience directing musicals all over Ireland. Peter is putting all the cast through their choreography paces, while bringing out the best of their acting talents. Newcomer Karl O’Doherty is assistant to the director for the junior group, and along with Eileen Moran is assistant to the musical director

Final rehearsals are going well, and the whole show is coming together brilliantly, according to 9 Arch Chairperson Annette Cavanagh. She thanked Alan Mongey of Coláiste Bhaile Chláir for giving the Society the use of the College as a rehearsal venue.

The Wizard of Oz will open next Tuesday. Tickets are moving well and Saturday matinee is selling out, Annette added

Ticket available at 091-569777, tht.ie/bookings and the Town Hall Theatre box office.

Anyone who would like to get involved with 9 Arch on or off stage can contact the society on its Facebook page.