ST LOUIS TRANSITION YEARS TAKE TO STAGE WITH MARY POPPINS
MUSICAL TO BE STAGED OVER THREE NIGHTS IN SCHOOL
It is a busy week in St. Louis as the Transition Year students burst into action to get ready for ‘Mary Poppins’ the musical which is being performed on the Chapel Hall stage for three nights this week.
The production which is a first for Dundalk audiences kicks off tomorrow night ( Wednesday) and runs through until the grand Friday evening finale.
Producers Marie Meehan and Selena Reynolds who chose the musical were delighted to get the rights for this classic tale of a nanny and two rather forthright children.
‘Every year we try to pick a show that will resonate with our students and this one is timely in the centenary year of the achievement of the vote for women, as that plays a part in the storyline here albeit from an English perspective,’ said Marie Meehan.
‘Mary Poppins celebrates the power of women to affect change, and that is very much what we encourage our students to do.’
Bert, played by Abby Murphy, introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael, played by Fionnghuala Drumgoole and Hazel Mulholland, have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins, played by Eva Carrie, arrives on their doorstep.
Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family members how to value each other again.
Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren’t the only ones upon whom she has a profound effect.
Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that ‘Anything can happen if you let it.’
‘ This is a fully in-house production,’ explained Michelle Dolan, Acting Principal.
‘ The show is produced and directed by Selena and Marie, and the sets are painted by the students under the guidance of Áine Mc Enaney of the Art Department.’
She explained that the Business department assisted with the marketing and sales, and Siobhán Higgins leads a team of hair and makeup artists.
‘We are so lucky to have so much talent on the staff, and everyone helps out in any way they can. Even the students get involved themselves with a team of TYs creating some of the choreography,’ said Ms. Dolan
Producer Selena Reynolds added that she is hoping for full houses each night.
‘ The girls have worked really hard to get this production ready. As usual with St Louis productions it is full of attention to the smallest detail, from costumes to props, and at €10 for a ticket you will not get better value entertainment anywhere.’
‘You will not be disappointed with our ‘supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’ show if you come along on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday 14-16 March at 7:30 in St Louis Chapel Hall!’