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Musical Soc Secretary, Alanna Kane, sits down with OTwo Co. Editor Polly Rogers to talk about her role in their upcoming production, Next to Normal, as well as her life, degree and what she hopes her future might hold.
Alanna was the quiet kid growing up, while an avid dancer; her confidence in performing only really blossomed after she began acting in musical theatre. “I got into stage school when I was about 9. No one thought I would ever open my mouth, but all of a sudden I was singing in front of people.” Her connection to theatre was fostered throughout secondary school, and she went on to study for her undergraduate degree in Drama and Music at UCD, from which she recently graduated. Alanna is now pursuing a Professional Master's in Education and is currently in placement as a secondary school music teacher. She hopes to perpetuate in her future students the love of performing that she was lucky enough to experience through her own teachers' encouragement.
A veteran of Musical Soc, Alanna first appeared in their production of Bonnie and Clyde in 2024. Prominently a featured dancer, Alanna admits that, “It’s where I came from - so it just makes sense!” From semester shows to representing University College Dublin alongside her castmates at intervarsities. In her second year on the committee, Alanna is thrilled to be secretary.
Next to Normal is centred around a family dealing with grief and loss. When asked about the experience of this production in particular, Alanna went in depth on the trials that came along with staging such deep subject matter: “It has been tough; it is a tricky show to navigate; it’s not the happiest-go-lucky narrative in the world. There are a lot of pretty sensitive themes which are difficult to tackle; our Director, Emma Rogerson - she just qualified as a mental health nurse; if there ever was anyone to do this show justice, it’s her.” Next to Normal, written by Brian Yorkey, is a strong and moving musical which aims to highlight the struggles of living with bipolar disorder in a suburban environment. Alanna, when listing her fellow performers, highlights one in particular: “Eva Furlong, who plays Diana Goodmen, she's just a star. She has made me cry more times during rehearsals than I would like to admit.”
Musical Soc's take on the show differs from previous productions; director Emma Rogerson includes a larger-than-standard cast and featured dancers. “Our choreographer, Kerri McAllister, has incorporated featured dancers to pack out the stage during scenes.” Imani Antoun is bringing ballet to the stage. “I’m always amazed watching them dance; I’m like, how do you do this?” While usually found onstage, being on a production team is an element of Musical Soc Alanna is yet to dabble in. “It’s the next box I want to tick; particularly, I’d love to be a choreographer or a musical director.”
From familiar faces to newcomers, Alanna explains, “We have some cast members, and it's their first show, welcoming new members - that's what inaugural is all about.” When talking about the community within the society, “With Musical Soc we have this thing called show angels, so during the duration of the show and rehearsals, you have a Secret Santa of sorts, and they leave you little gifts and cards - snacks or even herbal tea if your voice is sore!”
Next to Normal is scheduled to play in Astra Hall from the 24th to the 26th of September, with a gala night on the 25th. More information and tickets can be found on their Instagram, @ucdmusicalsociety.