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May 2009 |
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A 110 % “SOLID” MAN An Appreciation from the Musical Society The late John Stuart was always the late John Stuart, he was never in time for anything, especially rehearsals. John was involved in so many groups and activities, it’s hard to know where to begin. One thing is certain, whatever he was involved in, he gave 110%. There was no holding back in enthusiasm and commitment. Added to that was his tremendous popularity and great rapport with everyone.
After his mother’s untimely death, his father, Michael, gathered his young family into a singing group, in best Von Trapp fashion, known locally as The Singing Stuarts. John was gifted with a lovely bass/baritone voice and he loved to sing. As a member of the Irish Navy, and later, the Army, he served in many corners of the world. They say an Army marches on it’s stomach and Chef John made sure that it did. In recent years, John was one of the leading lights in O.N.E., giving his usual 110% to make sure everything ran smoothly, not only on the big occasions, but in the low-key, everyday activities.
As stated, John loved singing, singing in many choirs, in recent years with the Suir Valley Choir, of which he was a founder member. He sang at weddings and funerals, and especially THE ROSE OF MOONCOIN for his beloved Kilkenny. But he could equally give a great rendition of SLIBHNAMON or MY LOVELY RORE OF CLARE when the occasion arose. But it was in the Musical Society that he really made his mark, in chorus, principal roles, and committee. He was a great character, always ready with an hilarious repartee that endeared him to one and all. Arriving late for rehearsal, his excuses had everyone in stitches. Last month he played the Innkeeper in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, following a long list of principal roles, Molokov in CHESS, Pearly King in ME AND MY GIRL, Pedro in MAN OF LA MANCHA, and in earlier days, Robin Hood in Panto. His usual 110% had him putting up roadsigns, feeding the Gang at Society functions, or what he loved to do most of all, sing. When rehearsals went on too long, John’s “Kathleen will be waiting”, or, pointing to his watch, “the Kickham will be closed”, would rapidly bring matters to a close. He was held with great affection by all, the real happy heart of the Musical Society family. Not only has Kathleen and family, father Michael, brothers and sisters and grandchildren lost a member of the family, the Musical Society has lost a much loved friend. A man of sterling integrity, tireless endeavour, and great commitment, his generous big heart and ready smile endeared him to all. May his great voice ring out in Heaven. The Musical Society will miss his 110%.
The Society extends sympathy to Kathleen and family, father Michael and siblings, and his extended family. He made his mark. He was a “solid” man.
THINGS HOTTING UP With THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT looming ever closer, just two weeks away now, excitement is building as the Musical Society prepares for its 90th. Production. It’s a wonderful record for the Society, in its 66th. year, presenting top-class Shows in its own luxurious facility at the Strand Theatre. Chorus Mistress Catriona O’Dwyer has a Chorus of forty five or so, at her disposal, and what a great sound they make, catering for all tastes, from Operetta to modern blockbusters. There’s something for everyone and a wonderful line-up of Principals has been assembled, including Richie, Nugent, Toby Hickey, Irene Malone and sister Helen Hahessy, Cherry Betts Hally, Triona O’Callaghan, Michael O’Dwyer, Catherine Hogan, Sandra Power, Louise Mulcahy, Catriona O’Dwyer, Ray Nolan, Audie Murphy, Schira Lane, Seamus Power, Padraig Sheehan, Fergus Power, and many more. It will be fabulous. Grab a ticket at the Strand Theatre Box Office 051 645050, and credit card facilities are available. With only two performances on Wednesday and Thursday 20th. and 21st. May, there’s bound to be a great demand. Get your skates on.
PHONE CORRECTION With THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT looming less than two weeks away, the Musical Society apologises for the incorrect mobile phone number on the poster. It has led to many phone bookings going astray. The correct phone numbers for the Strand Theatre are 051 645050 or mobile 086 3571403.
Counting down the days to curtain up, rehearsals are hotting up, with Principals and Chorus putting the final touches to the Hits from all the big blockbuster Shows. One thing is certain, THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT will hit the high spots when it opens for its two night run on Wednesday 20th, May next. Get your tickets now.
It’s been a busy week for Society members, visiting other Society Shows, in particular THE PRODUCERS, in Wexford’s spanking new opulent Opera House, with the Irish premiere which opened on Monday of last week, or alternately, the Rathmines and Rathgar production that opened in Dublin’s Gaiety Theatre on the following night. Both productions were excellent and were greatly enjoyed, playing to standing ovations. The leading role in the Dublin production was played by Gary Montaine who had played with the local Society in the recent FIDDLER ON THE ROOF.
90TH. PRODUCTION THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT, to be staged in the Strand Theatre for two performances on Wednesday and Thursday next, 20th. and 21st. May at 8 pm., will be the 90th. Production of the Musical Society. Founded in 1943, the Society staged its first Production, HMS PINAFORE in the Castle Cinema, now sadly demolished, for three performances, in May 1944. Sixty six years since its inception, the Society is still thriving, not only providing brilliant entertainment with its Musicals, Pantomimes and Concerts, but has also provided the town and surrounding area with a superb centre of excellence for the Performing Arts in the Strand Theatre facility, and is fully deserving of the great support it gets from its loyal patrons. THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT will be no exception to the Society’s high standards. With an all-star Cast, Patrons are guaranteed a superb two hour spectacular, with Hits from the great Musicals on offer. Tickets at € 20 are available at the Strand Theatre Box Office 051 645050 or 086 3571403, and credit card facilities are available. THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT will also be staged in St. Michael’s Theatre, New Ross on Saturday, 23 rd. May, during the A,I,M,S, Choral Festival.
The Musical Society extends sympathy to Liamie O’Doherty and the O’Doherty family on the death of Eddie O’Doherty. May he rest in peace.
The Musical Society will join the Suir Valley Choir at the month’s mind Mass for John Stuart in St. Nicholas’ Church at 8 p.m. this Friday. The Society dedicates it’s upcoming Production THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT to John’s memory. R.I.P.
NEW ROSS HERE WE COME The spectacular THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT, on stage in the Strand Theatre on Wednesday and Thursday of this week, goes “ on the road “ to St. Michael’s Theatre, New Ross, this Saturday, 23 rd. May at 8 p.m.. It will be the highlight of the A.I.M.S. Choral Festival week-end.. The Musical Society presented a splendid Concert to mark the official Opening and Blessing of the Strand Theatre facility, last August, to an invited audience of guests and distinguished Officials, including Minister Martin Mansergh T.D., Bishop William Lee, Rev. George Cliffe, and the President of A.I.M.S., among others. So impressed were the A.I.M.S. hierearchy at the quality , entertainment and enjoyment on offer, that the Musical Society was invited to perform at the Choral Festival this Saturday. No doubt, THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT will receive the same rapturous reception it received in the Strand Theatre, this week.
The Society participated in John Stuart’s Months Mind Mass in St Nicholas Church on Friday of last week. It was a solemn, yet joyous occasion, as John’s family and friends came together to celebrate John’s life. R.I.P.
The Society sends best wishes for a speedy recovery to Lizzie Power of our Costume Team, and longtime member Ella Treacy, who are both recouperating in hospital, and Amy Power, recovering at home.
MAGNIFICIENT 90TH.DAMPENED BY TRAGEDY THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT marked the 90th. Production of the Musical Society in great style last week, in the Strand Theatre, on Wednesday and Thursday, 20th. and 21st. May last. The Production was greeted with standing ovations, as packed houses clapped, whistled and stamped its appreciation of what was, by any standards, a top class couple of hours of superb entertainment. Fiona Hennessy was a gracious Hostess of proceedings, and Fergal Carroll and his Orchestra provided an excellent backing for the magical moments on stage. Twenty one soloists and a forty strong Chorus provided an evening of rare pleasure as they sang Hits from all the big Broadway and West End Shows, finishing with Irene Malone leading Cast and audience with the evergreen Vera Lynn classic WE’LL MEET AGAIN.
On Friday, 22nd. May tragedy struck. Noel Treacy, who had sung in the Chorus, on both nights, fell suddenly ill, and died on Saturday, 23rd. May. The old adage THE SHOW MUST GO ON, was never more truly borne out, as the Society travelled to St. Michael’s Theatre, New Ross, to fulfil it’s commitment at the A.I.M.S. Choral Festival on Saturday 23rd. May. Like true veterans, but with two gaps in the Chorus, Noel and his son Tom, the Society performed to the delight of the enthralled audience. The performance was dedicated to the memory of Noel, and John Stuart, who died on 7th. April last. The untimely deaths of two stalwart members did not effect the quality and enthusiasm of the Cast, who gave their best efforts to ensure that the 90th. Production was really magnificient.
The Society sang at the reception of Noel’s remains on Monday evening last to St. Nicholas’ Church, and at the funeral Mass on Tuesday morning. It was a joyous occasion as Noel’s illustrious life was celebrated. May he rest in peace.
THE FINAL CURTAIN
NOEL TREACY 1926 – 2009
Frank Sinatra’s hit, composed by Paul Anka, goes “And so the end is near, and so I face the final curtain”. Little did we think that Paul Anka’s lyrics would be so apt for the longest serving, active member of the Musical Society. Noel Treacy, who was on stage for the 3rd. Production of the Society THE GONDOLIERS in 1946, and again on stage for the 90th. Production THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT, on Wednesday and Thursday, 20th. and 21st. May last, had been actively involved in eighty eight of the Society’s ninety Productions. He fell ill on Friday last, 22nd. May, and died on the following day. The Society’s Production in St. Michael’s Theatre, New Ross, was dedicated to his illustrious memory.
Although not the biggest member of the Cast, Noel’s big heart led him to giving his time and talents to many causes. Aside from the Musical Society, which he served on stage, and in Committee for many years, Noel was also a trustee of COSAOS LTD., which refurbished, extended, and runs the Strand Theatre facility. The other great love of his life was surely Castleview Lawn Tennis Club. He was prominent in the forties when the Club was revived, and was its guiding light in the intervening years, on court, and in Committee. Noel served as President of the Munster Branch of Tennis Ireland in the sixties, and always kept an interest in its activities. He often recalled his visits to Wimbledon which he treasured. At 82 years of age he was still a formidable opponent on court and always looked forward to a game on Christmas morning.
Noel’s social conscience led him to be deeply involved in Social Services, especially with regard to the Ashpark Village Project. He joined the St. Vincent de Paul Society in 1963, and was actively involved up to the time of his death.. He served as President and Secretary on a few occasions, and was currently Vice President of St Nicholas Conference. His close contact with people made him an astute assessor of people’s needs.
Always a great lover of Sports, Noel lent his support to Irish Soccer and Rugby teams, and was an avidly attended International matches.
A man of many and varied parts, Noel Treacy will be sorely missed on many levels, by many people. He was active to the end, enjoyed life on stage, and on court, and surely did it HIS WAY. May he rest in peace. D.M. |
