'International cast' lined up for highly anticipated Angela Ashes - The Musical

According to the Limerick Leader
, the producer is premiering the musical adaptation of Frank McCourt's Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir to Limerick for 11 performances this July.

The producer has also expressed hopes that the musical could make it to the West End in London and Broadway in New York, given the international profile of the book, which has sold in excess of seven million copies.

Speaking to the Limerick Leader, Ms Moylan said that she originally wanted to buy the rights to the book to produce a play, and approached the writer's widow, Ellen McCourt, before an amateur drama group in Derby in the UK launched their own musical of McCourt's work.

She said she had been searching for something “extraordinary” to bring to the stage for a number of years, and “wanted to get my teeth into something” as she neared her end of her five-year term as chair of the Arts Council.

“I thought of Angela’s Ashes – that was the one book that really affected me. I was so touched and moved at the time when I read the book 20 years ago - the conditions that people were living in, and the humour - I really laughed out loud, at his dry wit."

While castings have begun in Dublin and London for some roles, Ms. Moylan said she is in discussions with “a number of interesting and interested parties at the moment."

"If I can land one of them it will be great. They all have an international profile. But really the title, Angela's Ashes, is the big star in this,” she added.

When asked if she'd consider best actress Oscar nominee Ruth Negga, who grew up in Limerick, remained tight-lipped on the prospect.

Ms. Moylan said that the “major production” would involve more than 40 people and would cost upwards of €750,000 to produce.

After Limerick, the production will move to the Bord Gais Energy Theatre in Dublin from July 18, for 14 performances, and to the Grand Opera House in Belfast, from August 1 for five performances.

It will run in Limerick from Thursday, July 6, to Saturday, July 15, including matinees.

Tickets, priced from €25 to €35, are on sale from the Lime Tree Box Office on 061-953400 and online at www.limetreetheatre.ie.