Designed by Sandra Power

 

We are an amateur musical society based in South Tipperary, Ireland.

a: The Strand Theatre, Main Street, Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary. t: 051-645050

e: info@carrickmusicals.com

YEAR IN RETROSPECT

The Musical Society can look back on 2009 with a satisfied smile. Three Productions under its belt, bringing the total of Productions in its sixty six year history, to 91.  March last saw an excellent FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, packing the Strand Theatre for its eight night run. May saw THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT on stage in the Strand for two performances, and then, in New Ross for the A.I.M.S. Choral Festival. It demonstrated the great wealth of talent  that is in the Musical Society.  Halloween heralded the Society’s 91^st, Production, the Pantomime ROBINSON CARUSO, which was a super success, with its Cast of 90 plus children, and 40 plus adults. The Panto was a cure for many a depression, and that can’t be bad in the current climate.

 

On a sadder note, the Society lost three stalwart members during the year, John Stuart in April, Noel Treacy in May, and Fada Coady in November. All three had given great service to the Society.

 

The Society can look forward with great confidence to the future, with an excellent Cast currently rehearsing SWEENEY TODD, to be staged at the end of February into early March. It will be a theatrical milestone in Spring 2010.  Happy New Year to all.

 

 

HB TO THE RESCUE

In straitened times of recession, major sponsorship is difficult to attract. So it is with great excitement, relief and gratitude, that the Association of Irish Musical Societies can announce that a new Sponsor for the annual Awards Scheme has emerged.

 

For the past several years the Scheme has been generously sponsored by the Volkswagen Motor Group. Due to the drastic downturn in the Motor Industry, V W reluctantly withdrew its support. A.I.M.S., grateful for the great generosity of V W over the years, was left in a quandary.  Running the Awards Scheme for over a hundred Musical Societies, spread over the thirty two Counties, is an expensive business.

 

With so many Societies participating, A.I.M.S.  divided the Scheme into two sections, GILBERT and SULLIVAN, necessitating two Adjudicators, each having to travel to the four corners of the Country to see Productions, access them and write their reviews, and nominate contenders for the Annual Awards Ceremony, held in June.  It is the highlight of the year for A.I.M.S.  Without the support of a major Sponsor, it was possible, if not probable, that the Awards Scheme would be put in jeopardy, which would be a major calamity.  But A.I.M.S. has been successful in attracting a White Knight, H B ICES, riding to the rescue in the nick of time. Let’s hope that a gynormous amount of H B products will be consumed during all Productions, all over the Country, during the coming Season.  Hughes Brothers are supporting A.I.M.S., let’s make sure that we in A.I.M.S., like our own Musical Society in Carrick-on-Suir, support them, and that the H B Sponsorship will be to mutual benefit. The wonderful H B Ices will taste twice as nice in future.

 

Back on the homefront, the Christmas break is over, and it’s back to rehearsal for SWEENEY TODD.  Chorus Mistress Catriona O’Dwyer had the Cast busy with warm-ups and scales, before embarking on the challenging choral work, refreshing what was learned before Christmas, and starting into new material before Director Tony Finnegan returns this Sunday. The Cast shook off the turkey and ham as they settled into rehearsal on Wednesday and Thursday of this week. Busy times ahead.

 

 

BEWARE !  HE’S  COMING !

In spite of adverse weather disrupting rehearsals, SWEENEY TODD,  the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, IS COMING !  Although Opening Night, 27^th. February, is still six weeks away, the Musical Society’s Publicity Machine is gearing up, with the Strand Theatre displaying the first poster this week,  BEWARE !  HE’S  COMING ! the HE  being the returned convict from Downunder,  Benjamin Barker, a k a  SWEENEY TODD, wrongfully convicted by the evil Judge Turpin, who lusted after the Barber’s wife, and is now lusting after his daughter Joanna.  Is it melodrama ?  Black comedy ?  Call it what you will,  SWEENEY TODD is superlative Theatre, and composer Stephen Sondheim, who was at his brilliant best, as he pull out all the stops in this gruesome Musical.

 

The Musical Society has gathered a marvellous Cast, headed by Liam Butler as Sweeney, popular Derek Ryan as the villainous Judge, and wonderful talent filling the other roles.  Director Tony Finnegan was to return, weather permitting, last Sunday, and with Musical Director Fergal Carroll also in attendance, rehearsals were slated to run from 12 noon to 11 pm. every day. Hopefully the wintry conditions didn’t make it too difficult for Cast and crew to get to rehearsals.  But BE WARNED !  HE’S  COMING !

 

 

MUSICAL SOCIETY  A.G.M.

One of the most important functions in any Club, Group or Society is the Annual General Meeting,  and yet, many people avoid them like the plague !  To be honest, most of us would prefer to be any place else, in case we get saddled with a job.  As we all know the A.G.M.  is an important stocktake of the past year,  a review of present activities, and prudent planning for the future, including the election of Officers and Committee to guide it over smooth and rough patches in the coming year.

 

The Musical Society, one of the most vibrant groups in the area, will hold it’s A.G.M.  on Thursday next, 28^th. January at 8 pm. in the coffee / wine bar of the Strand Theatre, and all members and aspiring members are urged to attend.  The meeting will be reminded of activities over the past year, and hear reports from the Chairman and Secretary, and most importantly, from the Treasurer, of the current financial situation.  The Musical Society, in addition to the normal production of Shows, also owns, and runs, the Strand Theatre complex, and is responsible for the outstanding debt of €400,000.00 approx.  In the current climate of recession this is no easy task.  All members are earnestly encouraged to attend on Thursday next at 8 pm.

 

Beware ! He’s coming for a short back and pies, ties together nicely the grizzly tale of the demon barber, who will not only give you a close shave, but cut your throat, and send what’s left down to Mrs. Lovatt’s Pie Shop.  Her pies are very tasty with a lovely meat filling !!!  It’s great fun in a gruesome way.  Rehearsals are well advanced, with Principals and Chorus in great shape. Directors Tony Finnegan and Fergal Carroll are more that pleased at progress.  Stage Manager Michael O’ Hara and his crew, Ger Dunphy and John Prendergast are busy working on John O’Donoghue’s super Set, while Chorus Mistress Catriona O’Dwyer is busy putting the entire Cast through its Musical paces.  Busy times.

 

 

 

All News courtesy of Mr. Dick Meany (Press Secretary)