Musical ‘Anthems’: for one night only

Posted by admin on September 09, 2011 in Anthems, Latest, News, Next Show tagged with

By Mike Finnerty, The Mayo News

Ballinrobe Society to stage one-off concert in Castlebar 

“THIS is huge for the West of Ireland,” declared Seán Costello. “Shows like this don’t come along very often and I’m really looking forward to it.”

“This is a one-off performance,” added Pat McGovern. “Each song is an anthem, a ‘torch song’, and I’m really excited about it.”

The duo were speaking last week at the launch of Ballinrobe Musical Society’s latest production — ‘Anthems’ —  a collection of some of the most famous musical numbers of all-time which is being staged at the Royal Theatre, Castlebar on Friday, September 30.

The brainchild of Ballinrobe Society’s innovative committee, the ‘Anthems’ concert will feature 32 songs from the likes of Ragtime The Musical, Titanic, The Pirate Queen and Les MisÄrables.

A chorus of around 100 past and present members of the Society has been assembled for the performance, with familiar faces and household names like Seçn Costello, Sandra Schalks, Hilda Hughes-Gilligan, Sinead Heneghan, Siobhán Campbell, Michael Coen and Daithí Ryder filling the principle roles.

The award-winning South Mayo Society have taken the decision to stage the show (which is being presented in association with Mid West Radio) at the county’s premier entertainment venue at the end of this month. This is to ensure that as many people as possible get to see, and hear, the unique production for themselves.

“The show is an opportunity for people who didn’t get a chance to see our shows like Titanic and The Pirate Queen,” explained Ballinrobe Musical Society Chairman, Pat McGovern.

“We have award-winning performers, we have classic songs, and we wanted to perform the show in Mayo, in a state-of-the-art venue like the Royal Theatre in Castlebar.”

“I’ve seen a lot of these shows around the country and they’re always a great opportunity to hear the very best songs from all the big shows,” added Seçn Costello, the five-time ‘Best Male Voice’ winner at the Annual Irish Musical awards.

“The fact that we’ll have a live orchestra is great too. That doesn’t happen very much these days, so a live orchestra, headed up by a brilliant Musical Director [Philip Short] will make it extra special.

“This is huge for the West of Ireland. Shows like this don’t come along very often because Societies just don’t have the back-up to do them. That’s what makes this Society so special.”

Meanwhile, in another example of their forward-thinking, the Ballinrobe Musical Society have also launched a new-look website which includes an on-line ticket facility.

“Our old website was sacked last January,“ explained Pat McGovern. “And the blackguards that did it didn’t even have the courtesy to come to the show,” he laughed.

“It’s such an important marketing tool. There’s a huge demand for online booking now and our site will be working in conjunction with our booking officer, Sean Costello Snr.”

This development means that patrons can now choose where they purchase tickets for ‘Anthems’ and upcoming productions like their 2012 show, ‘Beauty And The Beast’ which will be staged next February.

“We wanted to do a show to lift people’s spirits,” said Pat McGovern. “Beauty And The Beast’ is going to be bright and fun. It’s something for both adults and children to enjoy.

It’s a hugely popular show and most societies that have performed it have to increase their runs to cope with demand. It really is a Disney classic, a charming show. We hope to create a little magic for one week in February.”

However, for now, the focus is on September 30. And learning all those ‘Anthems’!

TICKET INFO

TICKETS for ‘Anthems’ cost €20 (which includes entrance to the after party in the Royal Theatre) and are on sale now. They can be purchased online at www.ballinrobemusicalsociety.com and are also available from the following outlets: Seçn Costello Snr: 094 9541405, Lake District Office: 094 9542244, Martin Murphy Newsagent:094 9541064, Treacy’s Pharmacy: 094 9541087, The Royal Theatre Box Office: 0818 300 000 or at any Ticketmaster outlet.

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