March 2009

FIDDLER OPENS TO ACCLAIM

Last week-end saw FIDDLER ON THE ROOF open to great acclaim, and is continuing all this week, playing to full houses. The all-star Cast, led by Gary Montaine in the role of Tevye the Milkman, presented the classic MUSICAL to an enraptured audience, who enjoyed every moment of Liam Butler’s splendid Production. Director Liam, Musical Director Fergal Carroll, Choreographer Mary Mc Donagh and Chorus Mistress Catriona O’Dwyer can feel justifiably proud of a wonderful Show.

After Sunday evening’s performance, Society Patrons mingled with the Cast at the Cheese and Wine Reception in the Carraig Hotel. Earlier that day, Society members and friends gathered in St. Nicholas’ Church for the Musical Society Annual Mass, celebrated by parish priest Fr. Edmund Cullinan, at 12 noon. It was a wonderful occasion for the Society in its 66^th. year celebrating its 89^th, Show.

One of the stars of the Production is, undoubtedly, thirteen year old Rebecca Mc Carthy –Kent in the role of the Fiddler, who not only plays her fiddle,  but is perched on the roof, for the entire Show. A second year student in the Mercy Secondary School in Waterford, Rebecca also plays classical and traditional violin, piano and concertina.

On Thursday of last week, the preview night, two Cast members, William and Phyllis Cooney, celebrated their 40^th. Wedding Anniversary.  The entire  Cast joined them in cutting their Anniversary cake, during the interval.  The Cast also extends congratulations to Ciara Power on the birth of her baby son, last week.  It’s certainly all happening in the Musical Society.

 

THE DUST SETTLES

As the dust settles on a memorable FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Cast and crew can take a well earned rest. A Show as intense and emotional as FIDDLER is very draining and can be much more tiring than the ordinary run-of-the-mill. After the final curtain on Saturday last, all involved hot-footed to the Carraig hotel for the Cast Party, which was a real knees-up, enjoyed by one and all, proving once again that there’s no one to party like the Musical Society. Twenty five members of Gary Montaine’s own Society, Rathmines and Rathgar, from Dublin, swelled the audience on Saturday and stayed overnight to make it a memorable weekend.

Of course, most of the backstage crew were still busy, dismantling Sets, derigging Lighting and Sound, returning costumes and props, and all the other cleaning up jobs that must be attended to. Mounting a Show is a real team effort, onstage and behind the scenes. The Musical Society is fortunate to have a great team in place.  The Production Team of Director Liam Butler, Musical Director Fergal Carroll, Choreographer Mary Mc Donagh and Chorus Mistress Catriona O’Dwyer were the real heroes of the Production, aided and abetted by John O’Donoghue’s inspired Set. Gary Montaine, who carried the massive role of Tevye the Milkman, superbly slotted in seamlessly with the local Cast, making many new friends during the run. The Musical Society’s 89^th. Show will go down in the annals as one to remember.

 

BUSY LIAM

Director Liam Butler, after intensive weeks working on his production of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, was present in the Strand Theatre on Opening Night, Saturday 28^th. February last, and again on closing night, Saturday 7^th. March. In between those dates, and since then, Liam has been busy rehearsing in Cork Opera House for the new production of Bryan Flynn’s inspiring MICHAEL COLLINS THE MUSICAL, which opens this Thursday, 19^th. March. Acclaimed on its two former try-outs, first in Waterford’s Theatre Royal and then in Cork’s Opera House, the new Production is billed as the World Premiere and is expected to attract international Producers from the West End and Broadway, as well as the ordinary Joe and Jane Soaps paying their money to enjoy a world shattering experience. Patrons may be witnessing the birth of a theatrical phenomenon.

MICHAEL COLLINS THE MUSICAL is a hard hitting retelling of the Collins / De Valera episode in Irish history, spectacularly captured in Bryan Flynn’s epic stage production. With a top class Cast, Liam plays several parts with excellent ease, showing what a consummate actor he is. MICHAEL COLLINS THE MUSICAL is a milestone in Irish Musical history and an experience not to be missed.  It’s currently running in Cork Opera House. Grab a ticket wherever you can. It’s fabulous !

A reminder of the MONSTER BINGO in the Strand Theatre on Good Friday night, 10^th. April at 8. 30. p.m. It’s a fundraiser for the Musical Society Theatre Fund.

 

COMING EVENTS

On Friday of next week, 3^rd. April, the international group SMAKEE presents “2 Shows for the price of 1”, in the Strand Theatre at 8 p.m. The exciting programme will be made up of MEMORIES ARE MADE OF HITS plus ABBA THE SHOW. The all-star SMAKEE group will have the Strand Theatre swinging in a programme that will suit all ages. Tickets are now on sale at the Strand Box Office 051 645050.

The following Friday, April 10^th., Good Friday, sees an EASTER BINGO BONANZA in the Strand at 8.30. p.m., in aid of the Strand Theatre Building Fund. It will be a real fun night with prizes galore. You don’t have to be a gambler to have a great night out, and help a great cuse at the same time. Mark it in your diary, Good Friday night.