|
November 2009 |
|
PANTOMANIA ROBINSON CARUSO got more hilarious and energetically frenetic as the week progressed. As is usual, the Cast’s enjoyment increased with every performance and spilled over into the audience, who enjoyed it more and more. But it was the four main comedians, Fergus Power as Ma Fiddler, Audie Murphy as Giovanni, and Padraig Sheehan and Seamus Power as Nuts and Bolts, who got more outrageous with every performance, much to the delight of all, especially the four boys themselves. Their carry-on had audiences in stitches. Where did they get the energy ?
Congratulations to all, Principals, Dancers, Chorus, and the delightful children, all the Backstage teams, and last, but by no means least, the Production Team, who must be chuffed that their efforts yielded such excellent results. Pantomime is a great comedy outlet, and also throws up great talent. ROBINSON CARUSO was an excellent showcase for Michael O’ Dwyer in the title role, and Nicole Smith as Moira, whose acting, singing and stage presence belied their tender years. Both are back to their studies to prepare for their Leaving Cert. If last week’s performances are anything to go by, next June’s exams shouldn’t upset the two young stars too much !
Other first timers to impress were Bridget Phelan as the Whizette, Eibhlin Walsh as Queen Disco, and the girls from the Chorus who carried their dialogue like veterans. All the tried and tested members of the Cast were superb, proving once again the depth of talent which always seems to surface in Musical Society Productions. ROBINSON CARUSO , the Society’s 91st. Production, was no exception, bringing the curtain down on the Society’s three Shows this year, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF in March, THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT in May, and ROBINSON CARUSO in October. Well done to all !
SWEENEY TODD REHEARSALS The clans will gather for the first rehearsal for SWEENEY TODD, at the Strand Theatre, next Tuesday, 17th. November, at 8 pm. It will be the 92nd. Production of the Society. The indefatiguable Chorus Mistress, Catriona O’Dwyer is ready to man the keyboard and tackle the ultra difficult score of Stephen Sondheim for what promises to be a Classic, when it opens , next March. SWEENEY TODD calls for a superlative Cast, from the title role to the lowest character in London’s East End. The super reputation of the Musical Society, and its challenging choice of Show, attracted new members from a wide area, much to the delight of the Production Team. After exhaustive auditions , Director Tony Finnegan and Musical Director Fergal Carroll have most of the Principal parts cast, with just a couple awaiting further auditions.
The Cast List, to date, reads: Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber will be played by the experienced Liam Butler, with the part of Mrs. Lovett of Pie Shop fame in the hands of Emma Jane Reilly. Anthony Hope will be played by another newcomer to the Carrick stage, Emmet Donlon, and the part of Toby by Matthew Williams. The lovely Triona O’ Callaghan who has starred in the last few Carrick Shows, plays the part of Joanna, with the Beggar Woman in the experienced hands of Irene Malone. The evil Beadle will be played by another newcomer, Greg Porter, and two Carrick stalwarts, Seamus Power and Ray Nolan, fill the parts of Fogg, and the Birdseller. Two parts remain to be filled, Judge Turpin and Pirelli, and after further auditions next week, both will be filled. This a very strong frontline and augurs well for a superlative Production.
ACADEMY BACK TO WORK Work? well enjoyment would be nearer the mark. After the Halloween break, during which ROBINSON CARUSO took to the boards, the Academy for the Performing Arts was back in business last Thursday, much to the delight of the participants, many of whom had been on stage in the Panto. So it was with a sense of happy anticipation that the kids returned to the Strand Theatre on Thursday last to get involved in the world of singing, speech, drama, dancing, and stage, again. The current “semester” runs to Christmas, and then after the Christmas break, it will be back to work for all, culminating in a production of SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL , next May. Something to look forward to and making the second year of the Academy a worthwhile experience. The participants are the future of the Musical Society in years to come.
The Society would like to send get well wishes to society member Mary Hickey as she recently had a stay in hospital. We hope to see her back down amongst us soon.
It is with great sadness that the society has lost yet another long-standing and much loved member this year. Fada Coady (nee Torpey) passed away peacefully last Friday morning in the loving care of her family and the Society is once again left with a heavy heart. Fada has given so many years of loyal and dedicated service to the Society both on stage and in chorus and was part of our dance team going back to’ The Merry Widow’ 1967 one of her favourites and ‘The Student Prince’ and later years was one of the smiling faces on entering the Strand that looked after the show programmes and raffle. She was one of the proudest Society members when we officially opened the refurbished Strand Theatre in 2008 and we send our deepest sympathies to her Family; Peter, Katrina, Yvonne, Vida & Natasha. May she rest in peace.
CHRISTMAS BINGO Would you like to win a few bob for Christmas? The Musical Society will host a monster, spectacular BINGO on Friday 18th. December next, in the Strand Theatre. Prizes galore guaranteed and the craic will be mighty. Hopefully the fundraiser will help the Musical Society’s Theatre Fund. Mark it in your diary.
Meanwhile rehearsals for SWEENEY TODD continue apace, with Director Tony Finnegan in town for his first block of Production rehearsals, since last Monday. Hard work, but a good time was had by all, wiyh many a face shaved by the Demon Barber himself, not to mention many a throat caressed by his cutthroat razors. It will all be worthwhile when the curtain rises on what will be a gruesomely spectacular production of SWEENEY TODD, THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET, next March.
|
