The South East will be well represented at the annual AIMS awards this year.
The shortlist for Irish amateur Musical societies answers to the Oscars was announced this weekend
Wexford Light Opera leads the nominations with 4 for their production of “Evita”; Oyster Lane Theatre group has received two nods for Hairspray.
New Ross and Enniscorthy got one each for their productions of “Sister Act” and “Seussical the musical” respectively.
Waterford features in three categories –Bill Stafford is up for best actor with Carnew Musical Society, Thurles musical society’s “Evita” directed by David Hennessey is up for best stage management while Waterford Musical Society’s Oklahoma directed by Andrew Holden is up for Best Ensemble.
After two consecutive wins in the best actress category, Carrick-On-Suir’s Irene Malone will be hoping for a hat trick of top awards - this year she’s nominated for Best comedienne.
The society has received two other nominations for Sister Act – best ensemble and best chorus. The show was directed by Tipperary native Liam Butler who also directed Ballinrobe’s “Addams Family” - that show is also up for three nominations.
Elsewhere Derek Ryan has received a nod for Peron in Tipperary Musical society’s production of “Evita”.
In Kilkenny Gary Finnegan has been shortlisted for his role of Dave in “The Full Monty”.
The overall awards take place at the INEC in Killarney on Saturday June 19th
