Mr Noel Dundon (PRO Thurles Musical Society) reports on Thurles Musical Society’s most recent venture into musical theatre, which takes to the stage on March 24th – Saturday 28th inclusive.
For only the third time in Ireland, the hit musical comedy ‘Curtains’ will be staged by Thurles Musical Society (TMS ) in association with the Anner Hotel, in The Premier Hall from Tuesday March 24th- Saturday 28th inclusive.
Cast of Thurles Musical Society’s production of ‘Curtains’ to be staged Tuesday March 24th – Saturday 28th 2015 inclusive.
This fabulously funny ‘who dunnit’ murder mystery leaves a scatter of bodies on the stage, but the real casualties will be those in the audience who will be sore from laughing at the antics of the company.
TMS recognises that theatre goers need to come away from their night-out thoroughly enthused and having enjoyed the experience. This has been the case down through the years and last year’s Sister Act, which completely sold out on each performance, was case in point. The audience loved it, lived it and were talking about if for weeks afterwards.
‘Curtains’ is a musical with a book by Rupert Holmes, with lyrics by Fred Ebb, and music by John Kander, and with additional lyrics by Kander and Holmes. Other shows featuring the duo include the huge Broadway hits ‘Cabaret’ and ‘Chicago’.
Based on the original book and concept by Peter Stone, the musical is a send-up of backstage murder mystery plots. Set in 1959 Boston, Massachusetts, the show follows the fallout when the supremely untalented star of Robbin Hood of the Old West is murdered during her opening night curtain call. It is up to Lt. Frank Cioffi, a police detective who moonlights as a musical theatre fan, to save the show, solve the case, and maybe even find love before the show reopens, without getting killed himself.
Director Tony Finnegan returns to TMS once again and he is teaming up with Mary Rose McNally (Musical Director), Debbie Kiernan (Choreographer) and Patricia McElgunn (Dance Captain) to form the production team for what is truly an eagerly awaited show here in Thurles.
Returning to the company for the first time since 1997 is Aodhán Fox, who played the part of ‘Billy’ in 42nd Street – he plays the lead role of ‘Detective Frank Cioffi’, while ‘Niki’ will be played by Danielle Martin. The experienced John Hayes and Fiona Delaney play the parts of writing duo ‘Aaron’ and ‘Georgia’, while Maria McElgunn is ‘Carmen’ and Dixie Byrne returns this year as ‘Oscar’.
Other key roles include Pat Hayes as ‘Sydney Bernstein’, Frank Tuohy as ‘Bobby’, Mairead Hackett as ‘Bambi’, and Cathal O’Donoghue as ‘Belling’. There are also roles for Peter Donnelly as ‘Randy’, Gary Dempsey as ‘Johnny’, John Butler as ‘Daryl Grady’, Nina Scott as ‘Jessica Cranshaw’, Geraint Fyler as ‘Harvey’, Gerard O’Hagan as ‘Brick Hawvermale’, and Jim Kennedy as ‘O’Farrell’.
TMS will have more than 60 performers on stage for this production and the company has been in full rehearsal mode since early in January to ensure that everything is in readiness for the opening night – a benefit night for Thurles Rehab Care and Thurles Tennis Club, organised by Thurles Rotary Club.
All tickets for this gala night cost €20, while normal show tickets cost €20, with concessions at €10. Tickets can be booked at Mobile 085 2868727, or at our booking office in Hickey’s Pharmacy, Liberty Square, Thurles. Patrons are advised to book early to avoid disappointment.
If you love musical theatre, this is a show not to be missed. So if you want a great night out, pencil in the date. If you want to have a laugh a minute and a bit of suspense, then The Premier Hall is the place for you this coming March.
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