Ballina students get 'All Dolled Up' for brilliant musical

The finishing touches are being put to the 2025 St Mary’s Secondary School musical in the all-girls state-of-the-art school campus.

A 70-strong Transition Year cast is spear-heading this brand-new stage show, ably assisted by the Second and Fifth Year chorus line and St Mary’s musicians for two nights only, February 13 and 14 next, when Ballina will turn pink - and right in time for Valentine’s Day! Attendees are also invited to get in on the act, with prizes nightly for the 'Perfect in Pink' award!

In a show that promises music, magic, dance and drama, 'All Dolled Up' is the story of a girl who lives in a perfect pink world of pampering and partying. Every day is picture-perfect and every night is made for getting ‘all dolled up!” On the outside, President Barbara leads the dream life but some unexpected changes push her to look deep inside. The force of change threatens to take away the predictable perfection of everything she has ever known.

Watching from the sidelines, Great Shape Kenneth questions his existence and wonders how can he attract the attention of his one true love. As the action moves to the Emerald Isle, Jane and Sarah face their own complex journeys with Brian and Jake respectively – underlining how all the characters are forced to embrace change. But this is not just a story of acceptance - it is a journey of imagination, dreams and endless possibilities.

Taking time out of rehearsals, producer and choreographer, Annette Leonard said: "This production is a brand-new musical, written and staged completely in-house. It is a story that explores what is real and what is artificial, and between music, choreography, stage production and technology, it is one of our most ambitious shows to date. Every single girl on stage has a part to play. We are really excited to finally show off the hard work and talent of our students!" 

Annette is ably assisted by Sharon Cullinane in the Choreography Department, as well as acting directors Sinead Leonard and Anna Marie Henry. The team also incorporates the talents of the Home Economics and Art Department, as well as an extensive backstage crew of staff and students. Caretakers Christy Donnelly and Martin Browne have also been on hand to design the stage – which is nothing short of breath-taking.

A musical would be nothing without melody and song and musical director, Regina Deacy noted: "This stage show really has a very modern feel. Every song tells this story, with Transition Years supported by the Second Year chorus line, and as always we have lots of classics - which will have you singing along and maybe even dancing in the aisles!"

Extending a warm welcome to all, principal Robert O'Reilly highlighted the long-running musical tradition of the school, which marked its golden anniversary musical in 2024. 

"As always, staff and students have come together to write, plan, produce and showcase this year's musical which really is a highlight in our Transition Year programme. This year, we cannot wait to welcome our audience to St Mary's for what is the 51st musical. 

"Shows like this don't happen overnight. The final production is the result of a full year of hard work – commencing immediately after our hugely successful 2024 musical 'Time After Time'. It really is a credit to all involved.” 

The 2025 musical 'All Dolled Up' takes place in the School Hall with performances at 7.30pm nightly. Raffle each night.

Tickets can be purchased through the box office ticket line on 096-70333. Adults (€15) and Students/OAP (€10).