February 2009

BOOKING NEXT THURSDAY

It’s usually busy in the Musical Society, but at the moment, it’s frantic, with nightly rehearsals, and an A.G.M. thrown in for good measure. Add to that, Gary Montaine, playing the leading role of Tevye in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, in town last week-end for intensive rehearsal with the Cast. The portents are that the upcoming FIDDLER is going to be something special, brimming over with the WOW factor. Director Liam Butler, Musiccal Director Fergal Carroll, Choreographer Mary Mc Donagh, and Chorus Mistress Catriona O’ Dwyer are more that happy with progress, and with three weeks to go to opening night on Saturday 28^th. February, the top rate Cast is brimming with confidence that FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is going to be really superb.

Booking opens next Thursday, 12^th. February, 11 to 1, and 2 to 4 daily, Monday to Saturday, at the Strand Theatre Box Office, 051 645050, and this year, to alleviate pressure, an extra phone has been added, 086 3571403. Admission is €20 nightly, with Concession at €15 on the Monday night, and credit card facilities are available. Applications from the Patrons List, Societies and Groups have been heavy, so early booking is advisable, and don’t forget the Patrons List is still available at €60. The Carraig Hotel has a brilliant offer for out of town visitors, an evening meal, bed and breakfast, and  a ticket for the Show for €80 per person sharing. A wonderful offer.

A well attended A.G.M. took place , last Thursday. Chairperson Alice Hennessy welcomed members. Secretary Sandra Power gave an account of a very busy season, with four Productions staged, MIKADO WITH A SWING, winning The Spirit of A.I.M.S. Award for Fergal Carroll, The Millennium Orchestra Concert, the Gala Opening Concert in August, and the Panto ROBIN HOOD MEETS FRANKENSTEIN in November. Treasurer Breda Butler gave an excellent financial report, showing that the Society broke even on it’s day to day running of the Society and the Theatre. Project Manager Padraig Sheehan complimented everyone involved in the completion of the theatre extension and refurbishment project. He reported that all bills have been paid and the only blot on the copybook is the huge debt on the Society, over €440,000.  Dick Meany urged all members and friends to get their shoulder to the wheel to reduce this enormous debt, and to support all fundraising activities.  The Society paid tribute to two members who are stepping down for a year, Props Mistress Mary Fox, and Stage Manager Martin Morrissey, and tributes were paid to both for their wonderful commitment and enthusiasm over many years.  In the ensuing election, Grace Ryan and Liam Hayes were elected to the Committee. Full report of Officers shortly. A.I.M.S. Representatives for 2009 are Seamus Power, Ann J. Lonergan and Michael O’Hara. Seamus has been elected to the A.I.M.S. Council.

The usual annual Society Mass will be celebrated at 12 noon on Sunday, 1^st March, in St Nicholas Church.

The Society apologises for the breakdown in the heating system in the theatre during the recent Isla Grant Concert, which was beyond it’s control. Apologies to all.

 

SEAMUS IN THE CHAIR

Following the recent A.G.M. of the Musical Society, Officers and Committee were elected, as follows:  Chairman Seamus Power, Vice Chairman Aidan O’Doherty,  President Michael Lonergan, Secretary Sandra Power, Treasurer Breda Butler, PRO Alice Hennessy, Patrons Secretary Alice Hunt, Social Secretary Louise Mulcahy, Programme Editor Ann J. Lonergan, Press Officer Dick Meany, Committee Padraig Sheehan, Fergus Power, Michael O’Hara, John Stuart, Grace Ryan and Liam Hayes. It’s a strong committee to guide the Society over the next year.

Meanwhile, rehearsals continue apace. Choreographer Mary Mc Donagh has all the big choral and dance scenes set, and it’s exciting to see the scenes come to brilliant life. Ali Murphy, make-up advisor supreme, was in attendance on Sunday last, to advise on make-up, and several characters were the “guinea pigs” of the workshop. Chorus Mistress Catriona O’Dwyer is happily back to full health after her recent bout of ‘flu and is polishing all the vocal numbers, both principal and choral. John O’Donoghue’s marvellous Set is now a reality, thanks to the work of Michael O’Hara, Ger and Richard Dunphy, and, of course, the painting of John himself.  Director Liam Butler is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that FIDDLER ON THE ROOF will really hit the high spots. It’s going to be a humdinger.  Booking opens this Thursday, 12^th. February, and if early enquiries, Patrons’ List and Societies booking is anything to go by, it’s going to be extremely heavy. Booking is at the Strand Box Office 051 645050 and 086 3571403, 11 to 1 and 2 to 5 Monday to Saturday.

The Society extends congratulations to Roslyn Hackett and Martin Morrissey on the birth of baby daughter Lilly Kate. No doubt she’ll lead the sopranos in a few years time. Well done to Ros who played the wicked Queen in SNOW WHITE, and Martin, Stage Manager for the last several Productions, both busy now with their own production.

 

SOCIETY MASS ON SUNDAY

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF opens this Saturday next, 28^th. February, and as usual, Cast, families and friends, will gather in St. Nicholas Church at 12 noon, the following morning, to celebrate the Society Mass.  Society members will say the prayers and readings, and sing, during the Mass. It’s always a wonderful occasion when Society members, past and present, their families and friends, congregate, to remember the past sixty six years, celebrate the present, and look forward with confidence to the future.

Booking for FIDDLER has been exceptionally heavy, in fact, several performances have been booked out. If you haven’t already booked a ticket,  get on to the Booking Office at 051 645050 or 086 3571403 asap. If unsuccessful, get to the theatre early. There’s always cancellations and there’s a good chance of getting in. Wishing all involved a great run. BREAK A LEG !