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Thursday 16 February 2017
Letterkenny Post
Coláiste Ailigh students announced as Junk Kouture regional finalists
Almost time to walk the Yellow Brick Road Letterkenny Musical Society’s production of The Wizard of Oz opens in An Grianan Theatre on Tuesday, February 28, with tickets already selling fast. Producer Noel O’Donnell and the production and direction team have brought together a spectacle that honours and reflects the history of LMS, while also opening up the stage to a new generation, and introducing some of the best emerging talent in Donegal to the An Grianan Stage. The basic story is one everyone knows, Dorothy Gale is caught in a tornado, which transports her to the magical land of Oz. Once there, she meets a scarecrow, a tin man and a lion, each of whom is missing something vital. Together, they journey to the Emerald City to meet the magical wizard who rules the kingdom, convinced he has the power to make them whole. However, while the general story and most of the music will be familiar, the version being presented here is a little different. This is the MUNY version of the story, the least performed version of the musical, which is based primarily on Frank L Baum’s original 1900 book “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”, rather than the 1939 film, on which other versions are based. This means a number of scenes are different, and Dorothy sings a song called “Evening Star”, which does not feature in the film. Possibly the biggest difference is the fact that Toto the dog does not appear in the book, and therefore the An Grianan Stage will be a caninefree zone. However, that won’t be an issue, because the calibre of humans on the stage will be very strong. Dorothy is played by Eimear Friel, who is understudied by Elly Meenan, two wonderfully talented singers and actors who have bright futures on stages all over the North West and further afield. Scarecrow is played by Eoin Callaghan, the Tin Man, appropriately enough, by Andrew
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Tinney and the Cowardly Lion by Giles Murray. All three of them are fast becoming veterans of the local stage, and their ownership of the stage is a testament to the way An Grianan Theatre is encouraging and fostering local talent. Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West is beautifully portrayed by Nicola Shields, who is revelling in the chance to play the baddie, while LMS newcomer Caitríona Solan is Glinda, the Good Sorceress, Caitríona s voice will familiar to GAA patrons in Donegal, as she regularly sings the national anthem at matches across the county. The Wizard of Oz is played by Cathal Quinn, whose sonorous voice will get a proper workout this time around As well as overseeing direction and stage work, Maria Rushe and Donal Kavanagh play Aunt ‘Em and Uncle Henry, while Producer Noel O’Donnell plays Lord Growlie, the wizard’s chamberlain. His daughter Gloria, our guide through the Emerald City is brought to life by Rachel Akkoc, while the Mayor of Munchkinland is played by Joseph Gallagher, last seen as Peter Pan on the An Grianan stage. Tommy Daly is Joe the farmhand, while Lorraine Porter and Katy Mc Cafferty play two witches who will make a lasting impression. Following the retirement of Billy Patterson after Jesus Christ Superstar last year, Noel O’Donnell and his team. Donal Kavanagh leads the direction team, with invaluable input from Assistant Directors Maria Rushe and Nicola Shields. Mark Bradley is the musical director, with Pat Campbell as his right hand man, while Rebecca Thompson again oversees choreography in her own inimitable style. The shows opens on Tuesday, February 28 and runs until Saturday, March 4. Tickets are selling fast with a number of shows practically booked out already. Tickets are available through the An Grianan box office or via www. angrianan.com.
A number of Coláiste Ailigh students have been named as Junk Kouture regional finalists. Bank of Ireland Donegal staff members, Lucia McCauley and Imelda Boyle surprised student designers Niamh Ni Dhufaigh, Helen Ni Chanainn Ni Chathain, Amy Nic Floinn ni Chasaide, Shannen McGiolla Chearra Ni Phatuin and Caoinhe Ni Dhroma, with two precious Silver Tickets which secures them a place in the Ulster Regional Final, which takes place on March 6. The students received the
Silver Tickets for their entries ‘We’re All Mad Here’ and ‘Royal Blue.’ Speaking about the Silver Tickets, Barry Gallagher, Head of County, Donegal at Bank of Ireland said: “The calibre of entries for this year’s competition has been fantastic and the judging panel had a very tough job choosing the top 80 from each region.” He added: “We wish everyone the best of luck with the next stage of the competition and remind finalists to get innovative about how they gather support through the
Bank of Ireland Junk Kouture voting app.” The public can cast their vote for their favourite design through the Junk Kouture voting app. Accessed through the BOIStudents Facebook page (www.facebook.com/BOIstudents). Voting opens for one week before the regional competitions from Ulster. Individuals can cast a single vote every 24 hours. Votes account for 10% of the final mark and can make a huge difference in such a heated competition.
Coláiste Ailigh students Niamh Ni Dhufaigh and Amy Nic Floinn ni Chasaide being presented with two Silver Tickets to the Junk Koture Ulster Regional Finals.
Bank of Ireland Donegal staff members, Lucia McCauley and Imelda Boyle pictured with student designers Niamh Ni Dhufaigh, Helen Ni Chanainn Ni Chathain, Amy Nic Floinn ni Chasaide, Shannen McGiolla Chearra Ni Phatuin and Caoinhe Ni Dhroma.