January 2009

A LOOK BACK AND FORWARD

 

Christmastime gives the Musical Society a chance to look back on the past year, and look forward to 2009. The past year saw the Society stage a wonderful, toe tapping MIKADO WITH A SWING, last March, a superb Concert with the Tipperary Millennium Orchestra in May, the Grand Opening of the Strand Theatre facility in August, with dignitaries of State, Church and Theatre in attendance, followed by a Gala Concert, with Niall Carroll of RTE LYRIC fm, as host,  and to round off the year, the hilarious Panto ROBIN HOOD MEETS FRANKENSTEIN made Halloween rock, to the delight of young and old. Truly a wonderful week and a tonic in these depressing times.

 

Plans for next year include FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, in March, a fundraising Concert, on the lines of a HITS FROM THE MUSICALS, to be staged in Carrick and New Ross, in May, and, as usual, a Panto at Halloween.  Rehearsals for FIDDLER sees the entire Cast back in the Strand on Tuesday next, 6^th. January, where Choreographer Mary Mc Donagh will be present to set the opening scene. Enjoy the Christmas break, it’s back to work next week.

 

The Musical Society extends sympathy to the family and friends of the late Denzie O’Sullivan of New Street, who died recently. Denzie appeared in many Productions in the fifties and sixties. May he rest in peace.

 

 

BACK TO BUSINESS

 

After the welcome Christmas break it’s back to business for the Musical Society. Choreographer Mary Mc Donagh has been busy with the entire Cast since Tuesday of this week, setting some of the big Choral numbers, and they don’t come much bigger than FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, to be staged in the Strand Theatre for a week from Saturday 28^th. February, just seven short weeks around the corner. Time flies when you’re busy.  Director Liam Butler, fresh from his sojourn in the Cork Opera House in the Panto SLEEPING BEAUTY, will be starting his Production rehearsals from Monday next. Several busy weeks are in prospect.

 

Big news for the 192 members of the Academy for the Performing Arts is the call back for registration for Term 2, on this Saturday, 10^th. January. As all participants in Term 1 had such a wonderful time in gaining knowledge in Song, Dance, Drama and Stagecraft in the super fun atmosphere of the Academy at the Strand, the Musical Society is confident that Saturday will see the return of all “students” for Term 2, that runs till Easter.  Registration is Saturday 10^th. and first classes on the following Saturday 17^th. January. The tutors are girding their loins to make Term 2 even more enjoyable and informative than Term 1. All aspiring thespians take note.

 

 

THE ACADEMY

 

Last Saturday saw registration for Term 2 of the Academy for the Performing Arts at the Strand Theatre. As expected, there was a great turn-out, and all are ready to commence Term 2 on Saturday week next, 24^th. January, not Saturday 17^th. as stated last week.

 

Back to rehearsal for FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, and it’s apparent from the first rehearsal of the New Year that this FIDDLER will be different. Still the same great Show, the same great music, the same great characters, the same great story, but Director Liam Butler has some great ideas for the 2009 version. This was very obvious as Choreographer Mary Mc Donagh got down to work, setting the opening scene, which sees Tevye introducing all his neighbours and friends in the village of Anatevka. It’s refreshing to see Liam and Mary’s new ideas taking shape on the stage. It’s going to be an exciting Production with the Cast bubbling with great commitment and enthusiasm.

 

Shortly, Chair person Alice Hennessey, donning her Patron’s secretary hat, with sidekick Alice Hunt in close attention, will be contacting Society Patrons, those special people who support the Society every year by subscribing €60, which entitles them to two tickets to the Show on a night of their choice, an opportunity to avail of priority booking for extra tickets, and an invitation to the Cheese and Wine reception on Opening Night, 28^th. February. It’s great value and new Patrons are more than welcome.

 

Tuesday next, 20^th. January sees the legendary ISLA GRANT in Concert, on the Strand stage, with her brilliant Show. Don’t miss it

 

 

GARY IN TOWN

 

Next week-end, Gary Montaine, who plays the leading role of Tevye in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF , will be in town for intensive rehearsals with the Cast, who have been busy rehearsing with Director Liam Butler, Choreographer Mary Mc Donagh, and Chorus Mistress Catriona O’Dwyer for the past several weeks. Tevye the milkman is the central character in FIDDLER, involved in almost every scene, so his presence at rehearsal will bring everything together. FIDDLER is a BIG Show, and early indications are that the upcoming Production will be up to, if not surpass, the usual high Carrick standard. Booking will open on Thursday, 12^th. February next, and , as always, demand will be heavy.  Of course, anyone who wishes to evade queues and delays, can avail of the Patrons List, which is now open. €60 enable Patrons to secure two tickets for the performance of their choice, a chance to book extra tickets, and an invitation to the Cheese and Wine Reception on Sunday 1^st. March at the Carraig Hotel. Applications to Alice Hennessy at 051 640421, Dick Meany at 051 640184, Alice Hunt at 051 646210, or any member of the Committee.

 

The Musical Society congratulates Noel Casey on his well deserved Civic Reception by Mayor Liam Walsh and members of the Town Council, on Thursday of last week. Highly praised for his many great achievements  as teacher, Junior Vincent de Paul, Voice magazine, the Northern Ireland Schools initiative, among other things, the Musical Society recalls the many years Noel spent as an excellent Stage Manager for many Shows. The lasting memory is of Noel, with his rigged-up, battery operated bell, going through the Dressing Room during the interval, calling the Cast for Act 2. A great man, well worthy of his honour.

 

The Society extends sympathy to the Lynch / Irish families on the recent deaths of Eileen Lynch in Kilkenny, and Peggy Irish, in Carrick. Peggy, one of the Power family, always had great connections with the Musical Society. Her son, Johnny Irish, played many leading roles with the Society. Her late brother Tony Power and his wife Nancy, had a lifelong interest, and their daughter Mary Cooney, choreographed several Shows. May Eileen and Peggy rest in peace.

 

 

 

A.G.M. TIME

 

A.G.M.s are the most important meetings of any Group or Society, especially for one as active as the Musical Society, whose A.G.M. takes place this Thursday, 29^th. January at 9 pm. in the Strand Theatre. With FIDDLER ON THE ROOF just four weeks away, a busy year ahead, the weekly Musical Academy up and running, a theatre to run, and a €400,000 debt hanging over them, the Society needs an energetic, committed, hard working Committee in place. All members are urged to attend on Thursday night.

 

Choreographer Mary Mc Donagh returned, for intensive rehearsal, on Monday evening last, and has been busy putting the Cast through their paces all this week. Gary Montaine, playing the leading role of Tevye, arrives this Friday, and with rehearsals all day Saturday and Sunday, scenes and characters will fall into place in a hurry. It’s all happening.

 

Booking for FIDDLER opens on Thursday, 12 th. February at the Strand Box Office. To facilitate everyone the Society are arranging an extra phone line, in addition to the usual phone line at 051 645050. Details next week.  Meanwhile, the official Patrons’ List has been very busy. €60.00  entitles one to two tickets, and an opportunity to book extra tickets, among the perks. Contact Alice at 051 640421, or Dick at 051 640184.

 

The theatre has some exciting Shows coming in soon. This Friday 30^th. January at 7 pm. sees a delightful Family Stage Show, featuring all the Childrens favourites like Bob the Builder, Disney and High School Musical to name but a few. Thursday 12 th. February sees the welcome return of THE FUREYS AND DAVY ARTHUR, celebrating their 30^th. Anniversary Tour. The following night, Friday 13^th. February, sees IRISH WHIP WRESTLING battling it out on the Strand Stage. Exciting stuff, and tickets for all these Shows are available at the Strand Box Office 051 645050.

 

The Society sends get well wishes to Chorus Mistress Catriona O’Dwyer, who is indisposed. Catriona, the wizard of the keyboard, is sorely missed by one and all, who anxiously await her return to full health, and rehearsal.