Mutual trust, friendship and fun gained from the Colaiste Mhuire Sci-Fi Musical.
Full report courtesy Thurles journalist Tom Ryan.
Impressed patrons were afforded a heartwarming and courteous honour guard by student greeters, in both English and ‘as Gaeilge’, as they wended their way through a spectacularly lighted entrance, at ‘The Dome’, latter beside Colaiste Mhuire, Co-Ed School, Thurles; for the famed academy’s ninth annual musical show, “The Little Shop of Horrors”, which played to packed houses and much applause, for three hugely entertaining nights, just last week.
As a delighted Mr Denis Quinn (Colaiste Mhuire Principal), informed audiences; “This richly entertaining show was the culmination of seven weeks of rehearsals by the 179 dedicated students involved both on and off stage”.
The sparkling production received numerous kudos from appreciative patrons, including hundreds of correctly proud parents, together with other relatives and friends of students, from various parts of the Thurles school catchment area.
Mr Quinn stated, “Each year the school musical provides our students with the opportunity to develop socially, personally and artistically by each year joining the cast of each of the chosen productions. It’s wonderful to see so many students treading the boards this year, many for the very first time”.
He added “This production is a dark sci-fi horror musical, same befitting this time of year, Hallowe’en, and it has plenty of electrifying pop and rock songs. I know you will leave the Dome with many fond memories. Even during rehearsals we had great fun and cameraderie anong ourselves”.
He went on to thank all who had contributed to the wonderful success of the show todate.
The main cast comprised of Mr Caylum Gooney (Seymour); Ms Rose Shanahan (Audrey); Mr John Shaw and Mr Cormac Leahy (Mr Mushnik); Mr Ethan Butler (Voice of Audrey [11] ); Mr Rian Power (Orin, The Dentist); Ms Kayleigh Cronin (Crystal); Ms Annie loughnane (Ronette); Ms Rebecca Elphick (Chiffon); Mr Keelan Fahey (Skip Snip); Ms Ellen Clarke (Puppeteer for Audrey [11]); Mr Denis Slattery (Voice of God Bernstein from NBC); Ms Eve Carroll (The Editor’s Wife) and Mr Ben Nolan (Dentist’s Patient).
Some of these talented young thespians have given previous excellent performances at Colaiste Mhuire during earlier productions and also to the Thurles Community Pantomime Society.
All portends well for the future of local musical societies and drama groups. The overall show was an enchanting two hours of fine acting, great comedy, splendid choreographed sequences and, above all, beautiful and enthusiastic singing from Principals, the Chorus and Pit Singers.
It was indeed just a joyful triumph; worthy of note by the accomplished Musical Director Ms Helen Wallace; Director Ms Shelley Martin, assisted by Ms Aoife Carey; and Choreographed by Ms Danielle Martin. The remainder of this truly experienced and accomplished production team, included, Ms Ann Conroy; TY Students (Backstage Manager and Props); Colaiste Staff (Backstage Supervision, Make-up and Hair); Mr Jack Spillane; Mr Michael Power; Mr James Ryan; Mr Jamie Fanning; Mr Kevin Gleeson (Set Construction); Star Systems and Colaiste students (Lighting and Sound); Set & Puppet Hire (Kilkenny Musical Society with extra puppets from Katie Carr).
How delightful were those spot-on timed puppets, which blended with their human fellow actors, to create such eye catching stage pictures and fun, in a show that will linger long in the hearts of all who were in attendance.
Mr Ethan Butler and Ms Ellen Clarke were our gracious MC’S, latter who welcomed us all to the theatre of enchantment with its imaginative and beautifully dressed and lit set, its lovely groupings and exciting dance routines; colourful props and surprising sound effects.
What a memorable experience of camaraderie all annual school musical offer to our young people. And it was nice to see Mr Quinn recommend “Sister Act”, latter being staged by the Ursuline Convent in tandem.
Others who played parts included Mr Bill O’Dwyer (Musical Secretary); Ms Patricia Hickey (Prompter); Ms Rose Shanahan; Mr John Shaw, Ms Ines Bafaluy (Dance Captains); Mr Dara Fahy and Ms Una Fogarty (Bookings); with Ms Deirdre Ryan and Mr Bill O ‘Dwyer (Programme).
The colourful costumes came courtesy of Mr & Mrs Brendan and Mary Healy, together with Ms Mairead Hayes of Thurles Community Pantomime Society and Stakelums Menswear, Friar Street, Thurles.
The Set Construction team comprised of Mr Ronan Carroll; Mr Eoin Craddock; Mr Darragh Kelly; Mr Stephen Doyle; Mr Killian Hayes; Mr James Gleeson; Mr James Casey; Mr Killian Crosse and Mr Sean Britton.
The Costumes team comprised of Mr Gavin Shanahan; Mr Stephen Maher; Mr Conor Duffe; Mr Adriana Ruiz and Ms Diana Perez.
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