AUDIENCES may not know the story but the songs in Newport Operatic Society's production next week will definitely be familiar.

You Made Me Love You and I'm Always Chasing Rainbows are just two of the numbers in Irene.

It was originally created for star Debbie Reynolds and was a hit on Broadway.

Sharon Fitzgerald takes the title role in this production as well as choreographing the dance numbers.

Set in New York in 1919, Irish American piano tuner Irene O'Dare is determined to be a successful businesswoman and the action takes us from Ninth Avenue to Long Island.

Love calls after she is summoned to the home of a wealthy society family but, of course, the romance between Irene and Donald D Marshall III (Andrew Davies) does not go smoothly but there's a happy ending.

Sandra Hourahine is Irene's mother Geraldine while Patrick Martin plays French couturier Madame Lucy. Sarah Burt and Jane Evans are Irene's friends Helen and Jane. Produced by Paul Chandler, the show promises to be a great night's entertainment.

It can be seen at the Dolman Theatre, Newport, from November 19 to 23. Tickets are available from the information desk at Newport Central Library, John Frost Square.