The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Tralee Musical Society to hold ‘spectacular’ show
EXCITEMENT is building and tensions are almost at fever pitch in the Tralee Musical Society camp right now, as the talented team of cast, crew and director quickly put the finishing touches on their upcoming full-scale show, ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ .
The ‘rock opera’ as it has been dubbed is a show that organisers have guaranteed to be a hugely exciting and showstopping event for audiences.
It is just over 15 years since the society last performed the showcase in Siamsa Tire, for which they managed to scoop five national AIMS awards and so for many of the current and younger members of the society, this award winning haul occured back when they were only children, so the chance to take part in a showcase that no doubt has become almost legendary will be something that they will be very excited about.
The musical, which is scheduled to place in Siamsa Tíre from tonight, Wednesday April 26 until Saturday April 29 with an 8pm show each night, traces the last seven days of the life of Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. Judas fears that the compassionate movement with Jesus at its head has become a personality cult with many of Jesus’ statements being taken up and twisted by his followers and he feels that Jesus must be stopped.
“Everyone is busrting with excitement to get it up and running and since we have done this same show fifteen years ago and because we actually have some of the same cast members from that show returning to the stage wih us again, it is bringing back some very special memories for us,” said Emma Quirke of Tralee Musical Society, talking to The Kerryman.
“Rehearsals are in full swing right now and because we opened a night earlier on Tuesday for a preview show, the pressure was certainly on us to get it all together; we added the extra date because of the high demand - it was almost a sell out crowd thanks be to god, so we’re delighted,” she continued.
Having just celebrated their hectic 30th anniversary last year, one might have assumed that the society would be content to sit back, relax and take things a little bit easier this year; well it appears that anyone who thought that though, certainly isn’t too familiar with how the Tralee Musical Society works.
This is a group that never stops striving to better themselves in every single way that they can and in this years showcase, they are already planning something a little bit special to make it that bit more nostalgic for returning viewers.
“Our leading man and our leading lady Gerry Lynch and Sharon Walsh are actually brother and sister and they both actually played the same roles back in 2002 and so it is a huge privilege for them to be back on stage together in the same positions,” said Emma.
“Gerry and Sharon were actually both nominated for awards for their performances; Gerry was nominated for best actor and he came runner up that year in the national awards and Sharon actually then went one step further and she won her nomination that year for the ‘Best Actress in a Supporting Role’ for her portayal of Mary Magdelene - so it’s fingers crossed that we can get another few nominations this time around again!,” she laughed.
“We here at Tralee Musical Society thrive on excellence and we try to bring the very best of ourselves every year and strive for new things and this show, Jesus Christ Superstar, really does promise to be something spectacular - we’ve got a revolving se up aswell and when this is all up and running, it’s going to look amazing!” she finished.
Tickets for this show, which will take place from tonight Wednesday 26th until Saturday 29th April at 8pm nightly in Siamsa Tíre, are available to buy from the venue itself and are set to cost just €19/€17.