Ennis Musical Society are returning to the stage for their 67th production, the award-winning, family favourite Beauty and The Beast: A Broadway Musical, based on the heartwarming Disney classic.
This enchanting and magical show, filled with all the well-known and loved songs, delightful dancing, and an unforgettable cast, will arrive to the Glór stage for six shows – two matinees and four evening shows – from Wednesday, April 1, to Saturday, April 4, 2026.
For over 70 years, Ennis Musical Society has been bringing the magic of live theatre to the heart of the Ennis community. Since their first curtain call in 1953, the society has been dedicated to showcasing local talent, creating unforgettable performances, and providing a vibrant, inclusive creative space for all.
From beloved classics like Oklahoma! and Fiddler on the Roof, to recent hits like Legally Blonde and The Witches of Eastwick, those involved in Ennis Musical Society have, each year, shared laughter, music, and drama with packed out audiences.
Along the way, the society has been honoured with many Association of Irish Musical Society (AIMS) nominations and wins, including most recently: Best Comedy Actress, Best Chorus, and won Front of House for the second time in the Gilbert section of AIMS. This is testament to the dedication and talent of the incredible members and the steadfast support of our community.
The immeasurable impact of Ennis Musical Society has been felt across generations. As the society approaches it 73rd anniversary, they are reflecting on the many tales of show stopping performances, hilarious ad-libs and improvs, the unsung backstage heroes – and not forgetting makeup mishaps and occasional costume catastrophe! But in the process, lifelong friendships are forged, a strong solidarity is shared, and a fiery determination burns to ensure the society thrives for years to come.
This year, the show features a dynamic cast of over 60 performers – an exciting mix of seasoned society favourites and fresh new faces.
Aoife Ní Ghormáin stars as Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, who is imprisoned by the Beast, a prince transformed by an enchantress. Aoife is a seasoned performer, well known to Ennis audiences from EMS productions of Annie, The Wizard of Oz, Sister Act, as well as playing Gina in The Witches of Eastwick. Aoife was also a member of MIDAS during her time in college, playing Cinderella in the group’s production of Into The Woods, and was recently involved in a production of Sweeney Todd with Irish Youth Musical Theatre.
The Beast – Feargal Kearney – must learn to love, and be loved, before the last enchanted rose petal falls for the spell will break, otherwise, the castle is doomed forever. Feargal is also no stranger to the Glór stage, having played Glen Guglia in The Wedding Singer and Michael in The Witches of Eastwick with EMS. Like Aoife, Feargal was also part of MIDAS, playing Don in A Chorus Line during his time with the group.
Gaston (Rhys McNamara), the brutish yet comedic villain of the story, tries (and fails) to win Belle’s affections, all the while followed adoringly by his chucklehead sidekick, Le Fou (James Cullinan). The pair team up with Monsieur D’Arque (Jack Previllon), proprietor of the local insane asylum, on schemes that Belle is less than happy with.
Maurice is Belle’s kooky father and a wild inventor, who dreams of earning great success with his inventions. Played by Des Sullivan, the tender moments between Maurice and Belle would bring a tear to any Beast’s eye.
Castle favourites Lumière (Lorcan McAuliffe), Cogsworth (Ruan Kent), Mrs Potts (Ruth Fogarty), Madame de la Grande Bouche (Claire Curtin), and Babette (Sarah Alley) are set to delight audiences, with their witty one-liners, emotional ballads, and entertaining dance numbers.
Mrs Potts’ little boy, Chip, has been triple cast, and will be played by Aibhílín Brooks on Wednesday night and Friday night, Tristan Vaughan on Thursday night and in the Saturday matinee, and Kate Murphy in the Thursday matinee and on Saturday night.
Finally, Les Filles de la Vie, a group of Gaston’s fanatical followers who energetically pursue him in the hopes of winning his affections, are played by Rachel Hunt, Karina Lek Houlihan, Keelin Clune, Elle Naughton, Zoë Halpin, and Molly Cantwell.
The fantastic production team is made up of Jessica Bray (Director), Stephen O’Ríain (Choreographer), Eilís O’Neill (Choral Director), and Carmel Griffin (Musical Director).
“This has always been a dream role of mine because of the story, the gorgeous music, and such iconic characters,” Aoife Ní Ghormáin said. “I’ve absolutely loved every second of working on this show with such a talented and supportive cast. We’ve been very busy rehearsing since January and I’m so looking forward to putting the show on stage.”
Claire Curtin, Ennis Musical Society’s Chairperson, who also plays Madame de la Grande Bouche, said this year’s production has brought together an “unforgettable cast”.
“Ennis Musical Society’s utmost priority is its focus on inclusion and community, and with such a dedicated society that has fostered and nurtured generations of musical theatre over the 70 plus years of its existence, we’re certainly blessed by our members, friends, patrons, sponsors and volunteers who join us each year, new and old, and continue to help make these wonderful productions possible,” Claire said.
“We welcome new members every year, young and old. There’s a great friendship between our neighbouring musical societies too, with cast members from neighbouring societies and groups like Shannon, Muse, East Clare, Limerick, Cecilians, Bravo, and Ballinasloe – to name just a few.
“This year’s spellbinding production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast has brought together an unforgettable cast from across the county and beyond, under the guidance of an endlessly creative production team. We do hope you’ll come and share in the magic! Get your tickets while you can, the opportunity to Be Our Guest is selling fast.”
Tickets for this year’s Ennis Musical Society production, Beauty and The Beast: A Broadway Musical, can be purchased through the Glór website now.