Theatre « Thurles Information

Phoenix Productions – Can’t Stop the Beat

phoenix-prod Music lovers, its another year, another reason to get excited about Phoenix Productions. Thurles town’s premier youth musical theatre company are preparing to take to the stage this February with their annual fund raising cabaret entitled, ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’. After several successful years of productions in the Thurles Sarsfield’s Social Centre, this year the company are set to take on a larger venue in which to perform and what every local will agree is their true spiritual home, namely the newly renovated Premier Hall.

The format and composition of these annual cabarets, produced by Phoenix, is quite simple. Each cabaret is a showcase of both new and more traditional musical theatre. But perhaps most importantly, they are a unique medium to show off the exceptional range and diversity of musical talent exhibited by the town’s more than gifted young adults. This year’s cabaret promises to be one of the most exciting in years. Traditional purists out there will know every step and every note of classics like Oklahoma, Bugsy Malone, Anything Goes and that little known show called Grease.

Last year’s mega success ‘High School Musical’ deserves a second outing for this cabaret, with exerpts from ‘Hairspray’ and ‘Billy Elliott The Musical’ making their respective debuts in this musical mad town called Thurles. Of course Hairspray and Billy Elliott have had the benefit of being moulded by big Hollywood movie magic over the last decade or so, but their place on the live stage is still as emotionaly poignant and as electrically charged as anything that can ever emanate from the silver screen.

‘You Can’t Stop The Beat’ is the first Phoenix Production, post their 10 year celebrations and by its own admission, has a massive legacy to uphold as it begins the companies second decade. ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’, takes place in The Premier Hall, Friday and Saturday the 20th and 21st of February next. Do yourself a favour and be there from the very beginning of decade number two. This group are simply too good to miss, this group Phoenix continues to amaze and surprise.

Mark the calender folks:

Date: Friday and Saturday 20th and 21st February 2009

Venue: Premier Hall, Thurles, Co.Tipperary.

Wrap up well and we will see you in February.

The Last Five Years – There are two sides to every story

Music Theatre Ireland under the direction of David Wray of Thurles’ Phoenix Productions fame, returns to the Pavilion Theatre in Dublin with yet another emotionally powerful and intimate musical performance.

“The Last 5 Years” chronicles the story of two young people, their diverging paths and the consequent demise of their five year relationship. The two stories are told from each individual perspective, providing insight into the most personal and honest of human emotions. Poignant, heartfelt and at times hilariously funny, audiences can not help but identify with this compelling story, which reflects our changing society, where choice and alternative options abound.

Set in New York City, The Last 5 Years is written by Tony award winning composer Jason Robert Brown and stars emerging Irish talent Ranae Von Meding in her professional debut, alongside Dublin born A.J O’Neill, who returns home following his successes in ‘Chicago’ in London’s West End.

Musically directed by David Wray, designed by Shawn E Boyle and directed by Joseph C. Walsh, Music Theatre Ireland promises to produce yet another fantastic production in Dublin, with the cream of Irish music talent, both on stage and as part of the six piece orchestra. This, the Irish premiere of The Last 5 Years is set to follow in the successful footsteps of ‘Songs for a New World’, ‘I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change’ and ‘A New York Songbook’.

This is one show for music lovers not to be missed.

Venue: Pavilion Theatre, Marine Road, Dun Laoghire.
Dates: Thursday 6th – Saturday 8th November – 8.00pm

Seasons Of Love – A Night to Remember

2008 marks the 10th anniversary of Phoenix Productions in Thurles and to celebrate the company proudly presents ‘Seasons of Love’, a gala concert which promises to revisit and recreate Phoenix’s greatest hits and most celebrated adventures over the last 10 years.

‘Seasons of Love’ promises to be a unique event that reunites cast members old and new in the Premier Hall next Friday and Saturday October 10th and 11th. From Grease to High School Musical, West Side Story to Guys and Dolls, Phoenix has become the heart and soul of so many people in Thurles over the past ten years, both casts and audiences alike. By reliving and recreating Phoenix’s most memorable moments, it’s so easy to remind Thurles, if reminding was ever needed, just how powerful an experience is Phoenix Productions.

Tickets are still available from P.J Hickey’s Pharmacy Liberty Square (0504) 21423 and are priced at 20 Euro for adults and 15 Euro for children/O.A.Ps. A family ticket is also available. Demand for tickets is high, so booking early is essential. Having been lucky enough to get a sneak preview at their dress rehearsal, I can assure you that this gala promises to be one of Phoenix’s finest moments and a night to be remembered for everyone involved.

Spring Awakening – New Musical Hits West End Soon

Thurles has a strong association and appreciation of musical theatre, one which the town and its many musical groups and societies have been nurturing for many years. Vincé Productions and its Thoroughly Modern Musical brand have set a new precedent for musical awareness in Thurles one which has over the last two years has been introducing Thurles audiences to new musicals experiences. Spring Awakening is one such example.

Spring Awakening is arguably dramatic literatures best kept secret. Written in 1891, its author, one Frank Wedekind, remains synonymous for a play that’s depiction of the transparent forbidden indulgences and taboo real life experience of the teenage psyche, has seen it inherently banned from viewing audiences for well over a hundred years. The sexual consciousness and invariable unconsciousness of the play’s teenage contingent have remained Spring Awakening’s focus for contention, a contention which resonates as strongly in 2008 as it did way back in 1891. And yet Spring Awakening’s reinterpretation, it’s reawakening as a piece of musical theatre on 21st century Broadway has spawned more support, goodwill and success than any controversy attributed to its content ever has.

Debuting on Broadway in late 2006 and hitting the West End this coming January 2009, Spring Awakening is perhaps the most refreshing, unforgiving and emotionally charged musical set piece to have taken to the stage in years. It is so beautifully balanced and crafted. It’s gritty and subversive themes are interwoven with a brilliant rock and popscore provided by Duncan Sheik, with lyrics by Steven Sater. It’s a musical for the Ipod and MTV generation, something that teenagers and young adults the world over can appreciate.

The original Broadway cast featured the talents of Jonathan Groff, Lea Michele and John Gallagher to name but a few, all of whom has unwittingly become the voices for a teenage generation struggling to interpret the world around them. Songs such as ‘My Junk’, ‘Bitch of The Living’, ‘All That’s Known’ and ‘Song of Purple Summer’ have all in there own subtle way become the musical anthems for this new generation. Eight Tony Awards later and as anticipation builds for its arrival in London next January, Spring Awakening and the power of its message cannot be underestimated. This is a musical which is rewriting the rules of musical theatre as it sees fit.