Soul sisters to raise the roof
SISTERS are doing it for themselves in Carnew these days, and a very energetic choir of nuns is getting set to raise the roof of St Brigid’s Hall.
Carnew Musical Society’s production of the hit musical ‘Sister Act’ will play from Monday, November 27, to Saturday, December 2, at 8 p.m. nightly, with an added matinee performance on Saturday, December 2, at 2 p.m.
The hilariously funny show is based on the hit 1992 film of the same name starring Whoopi Goldberg. In the show, her character Deloris Van Cartier goes on the run from the mob by hiding out in a convent disguised as a nun where she helps transform the struggling choir.
The stage show, featuring all new songs, premièred in 2006, and has been a hit both on Broadway in New York and in the West End in London.
Songs such as ‘Take me to Heaven’, ‘Raise your Voice’, ‘Fabulous Baby’, ‘Sister Act’, ‘Spread the Love Around’ and ‘Sunday Morning Fever’ have been firm favourites with audiences.
Naoimh Penston from Arklow, is both musical director, and plays the lead role of Deloris, while Graham Finnerty is teaching the moves as choreographer and Michael Dunbar is director.
Alongside Naoimh, the cast includes Jennifer Byrne as Mother Superior; Erin Hogan as Sr Mary Robert; Thérèse Canavan Bolger as Sr Mary Lazarus; Marie Dunne as Sr. Mary Patrick; John Young as Monsignor O’Hara; Bill Stafford as Curtis; and Brian O’Gorman as Eddie.
Also included in the line up are: Jimmy Spellacy, David Cox and John Duignan as gangsters TJ, Joey and Ernie; Padraig D’arcy as Pablo; Mary Doran as Sr Mary Martin de Tours; Anne Sheridan as Sr Mary Teresa; and Catherine Stafford and Clodagh Leacy as Michelle and Tina.
The undoubted highlight of the show will be a special guest appearance by His Holiness The Pope, played by none other than Carnew Musical Society legendary figure Sean Hallahan who will be performing in his 50th production with the society.
Sean will be more than up to the task of filling those white shoes, as he has played significant roles in every one of the 50 productions he took part in.
The all-important backstage roles are filled by stage manager Tommy Kavanagh; set designer Tony Barry with his talented construction crew; Jacinta Kavanagh and her wardrobe and costume crew; lighting expert Kevin McEvoy; and it is all put together by a hard working committee under the leadership of chairman Lorna Doran.
Admission to the stalls for the 8 p.m. show on Monday, November 27, and the Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. on December 2, is €10, and €16 for balcony seats.
Admission from Tuesday, November 28, to Saturday, December 2, at 8 p.m. is €15 for the stalls, and €16 for balcony seats.
Booking opens on Monday, November 20; call 087 6985275, Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.