Dundalk singer spans the decades in ‘The Six Marys’
THE sell-out play ‘ The Six Marys’, which tells the story of six Irish girls born in the ‘fifites, comes to the Studio Theatre, An Tain Arts Centre, on Saturday night.
Playwright Jean Farrell is joined on stage by Dundalk-born singer Catherine Johnston.
Jean, who writes stories and articles, devised the play when a friend asked her
As narrator, Jean reads from the diaries of six Marys. These follow the lives of herself and her friends Mary Black, Mary Brown, Mary Green, Mary White, Mary Grey and Mary Golden. From the 1950s diaries, Jean tells about the comics and catechism they read. She talks about the nuns, the procession, gym slips and much more.
The diaries from the 1960s chronicles their search for Mr. Wonderful, at hops, brings great hope to their lonely hearts. Their expectations are ridiculous!
In the 1970s, failing to meet Mr. Wonderful, they settle for Mr. Ordinary and begin married life. Throughout the following decades the friends meet regularly. The Marys discuss the true realities of married life, rearing babies, children, teenagers and then life as empty nesters.
Eventually the six Marys realise that you make your own dreams come true.
This journey of self-discovery is interspersed with well-known hit songs from the various eras, sung by Catherin Johnston. who grew up in Mount Avenue, and who says she is ‘ haunted still with memories of feiseanna on The Town Hall stage.’
A past pupil of Dun Lughaidh, Catherine works as a primary teacher in Athlone and has taken part in various plays in Athlone Little Theatre as well singing in several Barbershop quartets and choruses. 5
Don’t forget to have a relaxing Saturday at the Super Saturay Family Hangout in An Tain Arts Centre from 10am to 3pm. Visit the Basement Gallery, let the offspring enjoy a host of kids’ activities and chill out.