The shortlist of the Association of Irish Musical Societies’ answer to the Oscars was announced at New Ross Choral festival held on Sunday, May 21st.
Kilkenny Musical Society has received 3 nods including best director for Christine Scarry, best male singer for Michael Hayes and best actress for Sarah Brennan for their musical “Parade”.
Carrick on Suir Musical Society received a number of nominations for their recent production of “Legally Blonde”. Regular on the awards shortlist is the society’s Irene Malone who is up for best actress in a supporting role for playing the character of Paulette. This category also includes a nod for Thurles’ musical society’s Mairead Hackett for her take on the character Miss Sandra in “All Shook Up”. Carrick is also nominated for best ensemble, best house management and the society has put forward Marian Grace for an Unsung hero award.
The Gilbert section also included Best chorus, Best Technical and best visual nominations for Wexford light Opera Society’s “9-5 The Musical”.
St Mary’s choral society in Clonmel received two nominations – best technical and Best programme.
There was more success for the South East in the Sullivan section with Derek Shannon being nominated for his direction of New Ross Musical Society’s “Singin’ In the Rain”. This society also got a nod for best technical.
Waterford’s Wayne Brown will be hoping to reclaim the trophy he won two years ago with Waterford musical society. He is nominated again for Best MD for his work on the Society’s “Man of La Mancha”.
The society is also up for a best technical award.
Staying in Waterford and the South East Theatre Group has secured two nominations – Best ensemble and best visual for Starlight Express.
The Overall AIMS Awards take place at the Gleneagle Hotel in Killarney in June.
