By Róise Collins
This week The Balor’s big summer musical returned to the stage for the first time in four years.
Manager at the Balor Theatre, Conor Malone said the summer musicals have always been a yearly fixture in their calendar that has unfortunately been in hiatus since the emerging of the Covid -19 pandemic.
The Hit Factory is a brand new show specially written by Conor.
It is a fast-paced romantic comedy that tells the story of small town girl who dreams of making it big in the music business.
Her talent and moxie earn her a break at big city record label The Hit Factory and it isn’t long until the hits begin to flow.
The large cast of over 30 will be joined with a live band as they perform 23 songs from the golden age of ‘60’s US pop such as True Love Ways, River Deep Mountain High, Big Yellow Taxi and California Girls.
The cast is filled with young local talent have been tirelessly rehearsing in recent weeks and months, in anticipation for their big return to the stage.
Previous productions such as Grease, Hairspray and All Shook Up have delighted thousands while showing the vast array of talent that resides in the Finn Valley.
Conor explained how this year the cast is more far-flung than the twin towns.
He said a brother and sister have travelled from Killybegs every day, and another cast member cycles to and from Glenfin for daily rehearsals.
The youthful cast also varies in age with people aged from 13 right to 21 years old involved in the production.
“Spending the summer doing the musical gives the kids an opportunity to tap into their creativity and I think they surprise themselves with how good they are as well,” he added.
He laughed and said local crowds are notorious for booking last minute, so to avoid disappointment at the box office it is important to book in advance.
The Hit Factory will run until Friday August 11.
Tickets are €15 available from The Balor Box Office on 0749131840 or online at www.balorartscentre.com.
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