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August 2009 |
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FLAG DAY This weekend, Kilkenny and Waterford flags will flutter in Croke Park, and, no doubt, there will be no scarcity of the black and amber and the blue and white, in town, and surrounds. Talking of flags, the Musical Society would like to remind everyone, that before the big day in Croker, the Society, for the first time in its history, will be hosting its own flags, on Friday and Saturday, 7th. and 8th. August next, when it holds its first ever FLAG DAYS.
With an outstanding debt of over €400,000. 00 on its Strand Theatre Project, the Society is hopefully confident that its loyal friends and supporters will rally to the cause and ensure that its FLAG DAYS will be a success. Initiated by the late John Stuart, who applied for the Flag Day licence, before his untimely death in April last, the Society is appealing to all, Patrons of the Society, friends of the Performing Arts, and supporters of the Strand Theatre, to help the Society in its fundraising. The theatre is a wonderful facility for the town and surrounding area and needs the support of all to help clear its enormous outstanding debt.
Friday evening next, 7th. August, sees the launch of BRENDAN DOHERTY’S new Nashville Album, in the Strand Theatre Wine and Coffee Bar, at 9 pm. Brendan will be joined by some special guests, and a great evening’s entertainment is guaranteed. There is no cover charge, so join Brendan and his friends, for his special occasion, this Friday at 9 pm.
ACADEMY RECONVENES The Academy for the Performing Arts opens for the second year shortly. The Musical Society, learning from its first successful year, has made a few changes to ensure its smooth running, and to give better value to the participants. Major change is to opperate on Thursday, from 5 pm to 7 pm, instead of Saturday, leaving parents and kids with free week-ends. Each days activities will be divided into three forty minute sessions so that participants will have Dance, Musical Theatre, including singing, and Speech and Drama, EVERY week, and not every third week as heretofore. The Society, conscious of recessionary times, gives each participant DOUBLE tuition each week, for the same fee, as all will enjoy the two hour session instead of last year’s one hour. To crown everything, participants will stage a Performance at the end of school year, next May, so that parents, siblings, relations, and, of course, the pupils themselves, can enjoy the fruits of the year’s work. Academy Tutors Liam Butler, Catriona O’Dwyer, Aileen Hogan and Lisa Meany are looking forward to another successful year.
Existing pupils, and intending new members can register NOW by contacting Willie at the Strand Theatre 051 645050 or 086 3571403 between 11 am to 1 pm. and 2 pm to 4 pm Monday to Friday, or pick up an application form at the Box Office. Official Registration Day for everyone is Monday 24th. August next.
Also reminding all young people, aged seven to sixteen, of Panto Auditions, on Wednesday 26th. August from 3 pm. onwards. Fill out an Application Form and be in the Strand Theatre on the 26th. Kids should learn “A Spoonful of Sugar” from Mary Poppins to sing in groups, and maybe individually, on the day. The Society is appealing for parents to help supervise rehearsals.
The Musical Society thanks generous subscribers to its successful Flag Days held last week-end. Every euro helps to lower the enormous debt on the Theatre.
Congratulations to Cherry Betts Hally and husband Seamus on the birth of daughter Ailbhe to the delight of the proud parents and brother Roan. Cherry was singing in THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT last May. Baby Ailbhe will no doubt lead the sopranos with training like that.
CALLING ALL KIDS Next week will be a busy time for children, as Monday 24th August marks Registration Day for the Academy for the Performing Arts Year 2, to be followed by Panto Auditions on Wednesday 26th. August, which is A DAY for auditions for children for the Halloween Pantomime ROBINSON CARUSO. Auditions will be held in the Strand Theatre, commencing at 3 pm for 7 to 8 year olds. At 3. 30. the 9 to 10 year olds take over, to be followed by 11 to 12 year olds at 4 pm. At 4. 30. pm. it’s the turn of the 13 to 14 year olds, and then the 15 to 16 year olds at 5 pm. Children are urged to learn A SPOONFUL OF SUGAR from MARY POPPINS, to be sung in groups, or if desired, individually. Auditionees can, if they want, read some dialogue. There will be no pressure and hopefully all the children will enjoy the experience. There are lots of opportunities for kids in the Panto, in singing, dancing and dialogue, and a good time will be had by all. There are “goodie” kids, and “baddie” kids, Robinson’s friends in Ireland, and Man Friday’s “native” children on the Island of Delight. Children will perform at alternate performances, so about 70 to 80 kids will be required. So the Musical Society is CALLING ALL KIDS to auditions next Wednesday. See you all there.
PANTO REHEARSALS Monday of this week was official REGISTRATION DAY for children for the Academy of the Performing Arts, which goes into its second year shortly. Then Wednesday saw children audition for the Panto ROBINSON CARUSO, which goes on stage during the last week in October. A great gang of 7 to 16 year olds turned up and will commence rehearsals next Tuesday and Wednesday, 1st and 2nd. September, at 6 pm. Before that, on Monday 31st. August, the Adult Cast will gather at 8pm. in the Strand Theatre. Hopefully a big gang of over sixteens to eighties will be in attendance. A large Cast is required for Principal Parts, Chorus, Dancers and Pit Singers. A dozen Principal roles need to be filled, comprising comedians for fun, villains to boo, and lovers for the bit of romance. Goodie and Baddie Chorus and Dancers are required. It will be fun, so hopefully a big gang of adults will turn up to enjoy the craic.
The Musical Society extends congratulations to Vida Coady Norris and husband Eoghan on the arrival of baby Billy, to the delight of grandmother Vida.. No doubt young Billy will tread the boards in a few years.
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