Excitement builds as Longford Musical Society set to get Footloose

St Mel's Musical Society, Longford are deep into their rehearsal schedule as preparations for their 2023 production are well under way. This year the group will bring “Footloose” to local audiences.
With a new venue, a new director and an electric cast the production has attracted a lot of attention with a little over two months before the staging of the show.

“Footloose the Musical” is a remake of the iconic 1984 film of the same name. It's the story of Chicago teen Ren McCormack who, along with his mother, has moved to the small town of Bomont. Ren finds himself at odds with most of the town, including the Reverend Bomont.

The Reverend has convinced the town to outlaw dancing, which Ren finds unbelievable. With the help of Ariel, the Reverend’s daughter and his new friend Willard, Ren convinces the Reverend to let the teenagers dance, and in the process helps the town to heal from a tragedy that affected them all.
Chairperson of St Mel's Musical Society, Karen Reilly, says there is a good deal of excitement among cast and crew in advance of the show: “Rehearsals are in full swing. We have an amazing cast of local talent. This year sees the return of a number of members who have not been on stage for quite a while and there are also new cast members. It is a very diverse mix of people.”
One of the talking points is the change of venue: “We have made a huge decision to move from Backstage Theatre to the St Mel's College Sports Hall,” Karen said.
“The rehearsals are going great. We have an amazing director in Alan Greaney, and our Musical director, Vince Tully is one of the best. Everyone is loving rehearsals. It's great to be back at it after a hiatus of almost four years,” Karen tells.

St Mel’s MS was established over 40 years ago by a dynamic group of Longford natives who wanted to bring the arts to the community in an amateur capacity. Since then they have grown in size, have moved from the Temperance Hall, to Backstage and now St Mel's and won quite a few accolades along the way.

The return to stage after four years presents challenges: “We have a new committee, we have a lot of fresh ideas. We are trying to rebuild ourselves after a difficult time. The arts were the first to go and the last to get back. We are doing our best to get the show back on the road. It means a lot to local people.”

Karen says St Mel's Musical Society has always had a clear mission: “Since the very beginning, our ethos has been focused on long lasting friendships and our commitment to serving the local audiences with a spectacular annual show.”

The committee has introduced a number of new ways people can support the venture: “As we prepare to get back on stage, support is more important than ever. We are excited to launch a new fundraising initiative where our patrons benefit. The €100 Club patrons receive two tickets to the final performance, an invitation to the End of Show Gala Event, and a glass of bubbly on arrival.
“They will will also have the satisfaction of knowing their generous contribution will assist in the running costs associated with our productions,” Karen concluded.

The Society also has a Flag Day on March 3 and 4, and a number of other fundraisers including the “One Night Only” event on March 4. These events help cover the costs of production before the show is staged. Tickets are now on sale for St Mel's Musical Society 2023 production, “Footloose”, running from April 11, to April 15, in the new venue for the show, St Mel's College Sports Hall. Tickets will go on sale on Monday morning from www.gr8events.ie

Tickets for the “One Night Only” fundraising event featuring members of St Mel's Musical Society and Evolution Stage School in the Longford Arms Hotel on Saturday night March 4 are available on www.gr8events.ie/onenightonly