Ballina TY students to stage 50th anniversary musical special
Presenters Jenna (Bethany Burke) Frankie (Aoife Sherry) pictured alongside Championship singers The Diamonds (Kate Heffernan and Faith Langdon), Scarlet (Tara Cafferty) and The Sparkles (Sophie Clarke, Ciara O’Boyle)
The final touches are being put to the St Mary’s 50th anniversary musical special, entitled . With over 90 Transition Year students from the Ballina secondary school taking to the stage in a fully in-house led production, this show on Thursday and Friday, February 8 and 9 next, is not to be missed.
This year’s musical features sing-along classics and spectacular dance, brought together by an original script, marking 50 years since St Mary’s students first treaded the boards with the 1974 production, ‘Zurika’, under the expert eye of Mother Benedict. In 1984, then-principal Sr Attracta directed students in ‘Joseph’, commencing an unbroken 40 years of musical theatre at the school.
This year, the show is a story of determination, dance and a little romance! St Mary’s invites you to come along and meet Fran, a student in Shirley’s School of Dance, but after two years without a dance partner, and thus, little chance of progression, she fears she will be a beginner forever. Fran can only watch in admiration at the school’s rising star. Dancing since he was six years old, Scott is destined for all the sparkle, sequins and silverware of competitive ballroom dancing.
On the outside, Scott has it all. But inside, he is torn between his own dancing dream and the rules laid down by the ballroom federation. Add in outspoken Shirley and downtrodden Doug, the forceful duo of Barry and Les, and drama – as well as dance – ensues. Will Scott dare to dream or will fear flash its red light?
Fran sees Scott’s strength and his struggle – but she remains invisible to him. Can she find a way to escape her own restricted reality and make him realise they are not so different after all?
This tale is not just about glamour and gloss, fringes and feathers. is the story of determination, dedication and defying the odds - and a reminder to dance away the fears that threaten to grip us all.
Sing along to classics such as , and to the more contemporary and – not to mention the Cyndi Lauper classic title number.
Taking time out of rehearsals, choreographer Annette Leonard said: “This show is very special. It is a story of a young girl who wants to become a leading lady in her own life and she has a lesson to teach us all. Like dance for Fran, musical is transformative for our students. It is a huge production and is the most ambitious yet in terms of dance, music and drama. The students are sensational and have worked so hard since September; they really are fantastic!”
Annette is ably assisted by Sharon Cullinane in the choreography department, as well as acting directors Sinead Leonard and Anna Marie Henry. The team also incorporates the talents of the Home Economics and Art Department, as well as an extensive backstage crew of staff and students.
A musical would be nothing without melody and song and musical director, Regina Deacy, noted: “This year, the music is very uplifting and the sound is truly unique, with Transition Years supported by the Second Year chorus line and Fifth Year Choir. We have plenty of classics - as well as a few surprises - which will have you singing along and maybe even dancing in the aisles!”
The musical director is supported by Simon Costello on the chorus line.
Principal Robert O'Reilly added: “As always, staff and students have come together to write, plan, produce and showcase this year's musical which really is a highlight in our school year. This year is extremely special as it is half a century since the very first musical production. When Mother Benedict showcased ‘Zurika’ in 1974 to mark the opening of the assembly hall, could she ever have imagined the rich legacy of her decision? Five decades on, and a brand-new school, our St Mary’s story continues and musical theatre is a tradition we are so proud to carry on.
“Shows like this don't happen overnight. The final production is the result of months of hard work and dedication by staff and students, spearheaded by our current TY cohort. It is a credit to all involved.”
The 2024 musical, , takes place in the School Hall with performances at 7.30pm nightly. Raffle each night. Tickets can be purchased through the box office ticket line on 096-70333. Adults €12 and students/OAPs €8.
