West End star visits the Scouts Hall

Director, musical director and principal performer in some of the world’s much loved musicals, Andy Reiss has been delivering musical theatre masterclasses in the UK for many years.

Last weekend Andy brought his knowledge, personal experience and insight of the West End to Ireland, here to our very own Scouts Hall, sharing his experience with the youth members of Nenagh Choral Society.

On Friday January 29th, members of our Youth Academy joined Andy and his assistant Tara in the Scouts Hall to take part in Nenagh Choral Society’s first ever Masterclass Workshop weekend. This was an intense but rewarding weekend, and on Sunday the participants delivered a presentation of their work from the hit Musical ‘Ms Saigon’ to parents, families and members of NCS.

Andy works on music and scenes from popular musicals like 'Les Miserables', 'Miss Saigon', 'Blood Brothers', 'Jesus Christ Superstar', etc. Participants got a taste of the intensity of working towards a polished product in the space of a few days. The chosen material was looked at in depth, and Andy worked with participants in expanding their vocal expertise and stagecraft.

The classes were filled with fun and were rewarding for the entire ensemble and soloists. Andy spoke to and complimented the Academy on the talent within our youth at Nenagh Choral Society; their chorus singing, acting and solo singing were of a very high standard. He wished everybody the best for our up and coming production of 'My Fair Lady', and he hopes to return to Nenagh later in the year.