Castlebar Musical and Dramatic Society presents ‘Oklahoma!’

Castlebar Musical and Dramatic Society presents ‘Oklahoma!’

The curtains will rise on Castlebar Musical and Dramatic Society’s inaugural production, ‘Oklahoma!’, for the first time 8pm on Thursday, December 4, in the TF Royal Theatre. The show will run for four performances in total: three evening performances from December 4-6 at 8pm, and a matinee performance on December 6 at 2.30pm.
Rehearsals have been ongoing since the beginning of September, and the cast 60 performers has put in a huge effort and commitment to bring this classic musical to the stage.
Castlebar Musical and Dramatic Society is a newly established community group. However, explains Chairperson Jennifer Hiney, “We’ve had a long tradition of music and theatre in Castlebar over the years.”
In the 1980s, Tops-of-the-Towns were a big hit with performers and audiences alike. The ’90s saw the establishment of a musical society, and three original musicals were performed in The Royal Ballroom, as it was known at the time.
Of course, Castlebar Pantomime put on a terrific performance each year, and there are very strong choral groups in Castlebar too: The Gospel Choir, Cór Mhaigh Eo and Mayo Male Voice Choir to name but a few. “The establishment of Castlebar Musical and Dramatic Society is another step along this road,” says Ms Hiney. “We established this musical society to give the people of Castlebar and the surrounding area, an opportunity to develop, practice and showcase their musical and dramatic talents.”
‘Oklahoma!’ has been put together by a dedicated production team. The show is directed by Alanna Ní MhíochΡin, who started her theatrical career at the tender age of four. This is her first time directing a musical, however.
The show’s choreographer is another newcomer to the scene, Colette McGinty, who has experience choreographing local ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ events but is now turning her hand to musical theatre.
The show’s musical director and producer bring a wealth of experience to the team. Deirdre Lee is at the helm when it comes to the music. She brings her experience and success as musical director of Claremorris Musical Society, Mayo Male Voice Choir and St Joseph’s School musicals and choir to the team. The show’s producer, Michael Brett, has been directing musicals since the early 1980s, including productions of ‘Grease’ and ‘Chicago’ with Davitt College. He was central to the original Castlebar Musical Society in the 1990s, having written and produced three of his own musicals.
All four members of the production team were quick to compliment the talent shown those who came to audition for the show. “About 70 people came to audition for the show,” says  Deirdre, “and we were blown away by the standard of singing, acting and dancing. We have been able to put together an extremely talented cast.”
The principal cast consists of some very experienced performers. Paul O’Brien, who has performed with St Patrick’s Drama Group, Westport, will play the male lead role of ‘Curly McClain’ opposite Vivienne Lee, an AIMS-nominated actress, who plays ‘Laurey Williams’. The role of ‘Aunt Eller’ will be played by experienced and celebrated actress Donna Ruane, while Richie Heneghan, of Claremorris Musical and Dramatic Society, will play the dark, dangerous character ‘Jud Fry’. David Gallagher, of ‘Chris and Dave’ fame, will play the happy-go-lucky ‘Will Parker’.
Newcomers to the stage include Emma Daly, who will play the lovable ‘Ado Annie’; Matthew Largent, who plays ‘Ali Hakim’; James Garvey as ‘Andrew Carnes’; and Tracy Hanley as man-eater ‘Gertie Cummins’. The roles of ‘Ike Skidmore’ and ‘Cord Elam’ will be played by two experienced actors, Liam Connell and Brian Murphy respectively.
The chorus members have had a gruelling few weeks of singing and dance rehearsals. There are seven-part harmonies and some high-stepping moves required at points throughout the show, but the chorus of 45 members have risen to the task.
The ‘Cowmen and Farmers’ will be played by Horst Stieglit, Jason Guthrie, Jim Finan, Jimmy Feeney, Joseph Garvey, Kevin Murphy, Larry Davis, Michael Mulhern and Thomas O’Hora.
The ‘Cow Girls and Farm Girls’ will be played by Angela Gillespie, Ann Murray, Ann O’Donnell, Ann Timothy, Anna Marie Dowling, Anne Coutlee, Antoinette Starken, Breda Kelly, Carmel Fanning Ryan, Carmel Leonard, Caroline Cresham, Catherine Healy, Catherine Macleod, Claire O’Grady, Deirdre Walsh, Eimear Berry, Frances Lally, Geke Remerie, Heather Maloney, Jennifer Hiney, Joan Finnerty, Maeve Berry, Mairéad Kenny, Maria Summerville, Marie Moran, Mary McAteer, Mary O’Boyle, Maura Murphy, Maureen Joyce, Monica Conway, Patricia Moran, Sandra Gibbons, Sheila O’Shea, Sinéad Skeffington, Susan Malone and Teresa Mannion.

Tickets cost €15 for the evening performances. For the matinee, they are priced at €15 for adults and €10 for children and OAPs. Tickets are available from www.theroyal.ie,  Downtown Records, Castlebar and 087 7612214.