Putting their best foot forward for ‘Footloose’
Students from Presentation Secondary School, Mitchelstown and Mitchelstown CBS joined forces to stage ‘Everybody Cut Footloose, The Musical’ last weekend.
Two sell out shows provided students with an opportunity to showcase their talents in front of enthusiastic and supportive audiences.
‘Away’ for two years because of Covid19 restrictions, participants showed no rustiness, as they danced and sang their way through this high octane production.
Steering the ‘Footloose’ ship were a talented trio of Ciara Murray (musical director), Winnie Fitzgerald (producer) and Fiona Garvey (choreography). Backed by a stellar cast, the finished product won univeral acclaim.
STARS OF THE SHOW
A 10 strong team drawn from both schools did much of the ‘heavy lifting for a musical that’s been several months in the planning. There was a consensus that this year’s line up was exceptionally strong, comprising, as it did, several students with considerable stage experience and a few, who, despite being still in their teens, have performed on national television.
The gender balance was slightly in favour of Presentation with Emma Ryan, Niamh Finn, Chloe Courtney, Eva O’Brien, Katie Reidy-Price and Elle Murphy all to the fore. Flying ‘the Brothers’ flag were Gabriel Casey, Tristan Power and Ben Frazer.
Special mention must go to ‘Reverend Shaw Moore’ (Cathal Walsh). Better known for his football and hurling exploits ‘Revd. Walsh’ had his Deep South drawl perfected to a very high degree - more Mississippi, than Mitchelstown, you could say.
NO BEATING THIS BAND
For musicals, the band are as busy as anyone on stage and great credit is due to Owen Sutton (drums), Kevin Sutton (guitar), Cormac Hennessy (bass guitar) and Liam O’Brien (saxophone) - on keyboards were Katie O’Donnell and Ann Linehan.
TEAM EFFORT
Ultimately, it was the combined efforts of all these moving parts, that made the show so enjoyable. From start to finish, there was evidence of attention to fine detail and all concerned should feel totally satisifed with a production that looked and sounded great.