Excitement is at fever pitch in Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra this week as the final rehearsals are underway ahead to the much-anticipated school musical.

Saoirse Casey (playing Donna) with members of the cast and chorus rehearsing for ‘Thank You for the Music – The Musical' in Rathmore next week.

CAST: Students Treasa Cremin Aoife Murphy Ava Twomey Ali Doyle Saoirse Casey Ciara Hughes Lainey Harty Tommy O'Connor Sean O'Keeffe Setanta O'Callaghan Mollie Herlihy Fionnán O'Donoghue ready for ‘Thank You for the Music – The Musical' which takes place at Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra next week.

Ali Doyle (playing Sophie) with members of the cast and chorus at rehearsals this week.

‘Thank You for the Music – The Musical' takes place in the school's gym on Tuesday next (March 14) and Wednesday (March 15) at 7.30pm.

Preparations have been underway since September when the auditions took place and the lead cast and chorus members have been busy rehearsing since October.

This is a whole school event with cast and chorus members coming from First to Sixth Year groups under the stewardship of director Rebecca Stryker, who teaches music in the school.

Behind the scenes, Transition Year students have played vital roles both on and off stage. Those who are not performing are involved in set design, programme design, advertising, ticket sales, hair and make-up, ushering and helping backstage, supported by teachers of all subject departments.

"The entire school and local community are looking forward to this fabulous show which will showcase the wonderful talent in our students," said principal, Denis Kerins.

‘Thank You for the Music’ is an ABBA inspired musical, set on the little Greek island of Kalakari where Sophie dreams of a perfect wedding - one which includes her father giving her away.

The problem is that Sophie (played by Ali Doyle) doesn’t know who he is! Her mother Donna (played by Saoirse Casey), refuses to discuss the past, so Sophie sneaks a peek into her mother’s ancient diary, to discover three possible fathers: Sam, Bill, and Harry (played by Sean O’Keefe, Setanta O’Callaghan and Mollie Herlihy).

Sophie secretly invites all three to the wedding, convinced that she’ll know her father when she sees him. But when all three turn up, it may not be as clear as she thought!

Tickets are selling fast so make sure to get yours as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Anyone wishing to book or purchase tickets can contact the school office on 064 7758135 or call in between 9am and 3.30pm, Tuesday to Thursday. Prices are €15 for adults and €10 for students/children/senior citizens. "Looking forward to seeing you all there."