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                                       “Do You Hear the People Sing. . .?”

Another Great St. Louis Transition Year Musical Production!

 

It has been twenty-five years since “Les Miserables”, the smash hit musical, first wowed audiences in the West End and one year since Susan Boyle’s memorable rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream” changed her life forever.  This is just one of the many delightful songs that can be heard echoing through the corridors of St. Louis, Carrickmacross. It’s that time of year again when the present Transition Year students prepare for their exuberant and dramatic production of “Les Miserables”.  Now a whole new audience is buzzing about this musical feast, presently in the final exciting stages of enthusiastic rehearsals in St. Louis. 

  Based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel, the musical focuses on the struggles of ex-convict Jean Valjean, whose role is impressively played by Sharon McCluskey.  Valjean becomes a force for good in the world but cannot escape his dark past. Javert, played by Paula Jones, who is determined to track him down and reveal his true identity, relentlessly pursues him.  Set in 1815 and covering a twenty-year period of civil unrest reaching its climax in the Paris Uprising, “Les Miserables” enchants audiences in the lives, loves and tragedies of the characters.

  Deirdre Ni Chloscai, Aisling McNally and Michaela Courtney competently fill the roles of Eponine, Cossette and Marius.  Their poignant love triangle will have audiences sharing in the heart-rending drama of their relationship.  Orlaith Mc Mahon plays young Cossette.  The villainous innkeepers provide some welcome light relief, with Santa Nemirskaite and Joanne McClory in the roles of Monsieur and Madame Thenardier.  Clare O’Connor plays the leader who encourages the masses to revolt, while Georgina Malone plays Fantine, whose tragedy sets in motion the destiny of the characters. The students are relishing every moment of rehearsals and can’t wait to put the finishing touches to the whole production.

  Under the direction of Sonya Sexton, who also choreographed the production and Eileen English and Mairead Maguire, the musical directors, “Les Miserables” is reaching the final, exciting days of rehearsal and is a fitting tribute to the musical, dramatic and artistic talents evident in the Transition Year students.  There are ninety-three students in Transition Year and every single student is involved in some aspect of the production.  This is not a situation where the cream of musical and performing talent in the school is selected.  Instead, it is an example of how a whole year group can work together and how every student can make a valuable contribution.

  As the musical unfolds, the students, especially the soloists, have risen admirably to the occasion. Audiences will be guaranteed a memorable evening’s entertainment and will recognise all the hard work the students and teachers have done to ensure the success of their production.

  Spectacular imaginative costumes for the whole cast have been designed and made by Sheila Murray, Martina Duffy and a group of dedicated and hard-working students. The overall dramatic effect of the cast of ninety-three students on stage in full costume is a tribute to the creative skills of the wardrobe department. 

  Art Department teachers, Siobhan Finnegan and Sister Enda McMullan, have produced a visually stunning set.  They have dramatically recreated both the opulence and poverty of 19th century Paris and the props in the barricade scene alone provide just one of the many visual highlights of the performance. Since September, the group of Transition Year students creating the set have brought the designs to life in a huge, colourful backdrop as impressive as in any theatre in Ireland. Stage Manager Monica O’Kane and her team of students backstage and Barbara Martin on lighting will ensure changes between scenes run smoothly and professionally.

  Sister Marie Byrne, Co-ordinatorof the Musical in St. Louis, is looking forward to the final pieces of the huge effort being put into place.  She compliments the students and teachers on their effort and co-operation and knows that the skills the students have developed and the rewards of being involved in such a project will be remembered – long after the final curtain has come down.

  Principal Gerry Shankey says the production is a great opportunity for the Transition Year students to showcase their many talents.  Following the success of previous school musicals and the huge audiences in attendance at each performance, Gerry Shankey wishes the teachers and students continued success.  He is delighted to see the musical tradition thrive in school and invites everyone to come along and enjoy the performance.

  Just as Susan Boyle “Dreamed a Dream” soon the dreams of the Transition Year students and their teachers for another successful production will become a reality.  The students are dreaming about the thrill of their opening night, while teachers are waiting to see months of hard work coming to fruition and you won’t have long to wait either. So if you would like to “Hear the People Sing . . .” get your tickets now and come along for a great night’s entertainment the whole family can enjoy! 

  “Les Miserables” runs from 10th- 12th March at 8.00pm in the school hall. Tickets are available in school now.  Priced  €12 with €10 concessions for the Wednesday performance only.  Tickets are available through the students or can be purchased each day just inside the main door of the school via the Ardee Road entrance between 12.40 – 1.00pm Monday - Friday.

(Monica O’Kane, St. Louis, CMX.)

 

 

 

Rosita Agnew, Head of Communications in the Ombudsman's Office of the European Commission returns to give a talk in her old school, St. Louis Secondary School, Carrickamcross as part opf the European Union's Schools' Project.  In a very interesting discussion with Transition Year students, Rosita outlined her career path to Brussels and gave a fascinating insight into the workings of the Commission.  She stressed the fact that Irish people succeed really well in Brussels because of their excellent educational background  and their inate ability to negotiate well.  As a country we consistently punch above our weight at European level! 

 

 

 

Jersey Day

Recently the students organised a Jersey Day - where they wear their favourite team jersey to school - to raise some money for two worthy causes. €500 was raised for the Adam Clerkin appeal and €320 for Mary-Louise Gargan.  Adam is a twenty-month old  baby from Shercock who needs to travel to Boston for an operation.  Mary-Louise is a past pupil of the school.  She is currently in her Third Year in Trinity where she studies medicine.  She is heading for Malawi in the summer to work for a charitable organisation called MOVE (Medical Overseas Voluntary Electives)   

 

“Annie” A Great Success in St. Louis! 

“Annie” presented by the Transition Year students in St. Louis, Carrickmacross, recently provided three great evenings of musical entertainment.  The appreciative audiences including proud parents, teachers, families and friends were treated to a vibrant and colourful performance of music, song and dance. As the curtain came down on Thursday night a standing ovation marked the end of another spectacular musical production.

 

In these difficult times of recession and education cutbacks, “Annie” filled with songs of a brighter tomorrow, provided a timely reminder that things can and do get better.  It was also cheering to watch the story of a plucky survivor who, by a twist of fate, comes into good fortune.  Chloe Murtagh was perfectly cast as the optimistic and resourceful Annie.  Chloe’s beautiful singing voice filled the school hall and her rendition of the show’s poignant signature tune “Tomorrow, Tomorrow” provided one of the many highlights of her performance. Ably supported by the delightful cast of talented orphans, the students playing Annie’s friends in the orphanage clearly relished their roles especially in the upbeat number “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile”.

 

Anna Jones superbly played the beastly matron at the orphanage, Miss Hannigan.  Anna could not only belt out a tune while making the orphans’ lives miserable, but strut, shake and act with great skill and at the same time take secret swigs from her hidden bottle!  Aoife Curtis and Leanne Shiu as Miss Hannigan’s swindler brother Rooster and his ditzy girlfriend Lily, delivered great comic performances in “Easy Street” as they planned to con Warbucks.  Daddy Warbucks convincingly played by Michelle McCahey, delighted audiences as the billionaire who caves in to Annie’s charms.  Michelle’s musical talents were evident in the spectacular “NYC” ensemble.  The role of Grace, Warbucks’ secretary was competently played with “grace” and elegance by Aine McNally, while Amy Lee in the role of butler Drake, provided many moments of comic relief.  In addition, the suitably gloomy Hooverville scene, brought dramatically to life by the superb set, delivered a powerful social commentary on the effects of the Great Depression.

 

The musical talent evident among the choruses of orphans and servants filled in the action between scenes professionally and confidently and again it was clear the girls were enjoying every minute on stage.  The radio station host, played by Aoife Keenan, introduced the all-singing, all-dancing colourful Bert Healy singers.  It was obvious they were relishing the performances as much as the audiences. 

 

The finale was a fitting tribute to musical directors Eileen English, Nicola Daniels and Laura Kelly who created great toe-tapping, hand-clapping musical performances.  As the medley of songs reached a breathtaking crescendo during the final performance, with the full cast on stage and the final bows of Annie and Miss Hannigan, the audience was already on its feet in enthusiastic, prolonged applause.

 

Director and choreographer Sonya Sexton, who skilfully brought the production to life, complimented the students on their accomplishment – a culmination of months of hard work and rehearsals. She said she was delighted with the students’ success. Set designers Sr. Enda McMullan, Siobhan Finnegan and their team of students transported audiences to the austerity of the orphanage and the opulence of Warbuck’s home with incredible backdrops. Costume designers Sheila Murray, Shauna Finlay and their wardrobe team created spectacular, colourful costumes and outfits for the whole cast of 102 students!  Stage Manager Monica O’Kane, Sr. Enda and their team of six efficient backstage students ensured smooth transitions between scenes, while Barbara Martin directed lighting to set the mood for the various locations. 

 

Transition Year Co-ordinator, Sr. Marie Byrne and principal Gerry Shankey, warmly congratulated students and teachers on their outstanding production.  They said that the thrilling memory of participating in such a spectacular production in front of such appreciative audiences and the skills the students have learned, will remain with them long after the final curtain has come down.  Gerry Shankey also thanked the school staff for their help during the nightly performances and parents and audiences for their support.  He said that the production was a testimony to the artistic, musical and dramatic talent evident among the Transition Year students and also a testimony to the dedication and achievement of the teachers involved in the production in St. Louis.

 

 The standing ovation at the last performance spoke for itself.  “Annie” was sold-out each night, so if you didn’t manage to get a ticket and missed this great night’s family entertainment – sorry – but it’s a hard knock life!

 


 

The picture shows Mr Pat Shannon of P.Shannon, Building Contractors presenting a set of jerseys to Shauna Tuite, captain

of the Saint Louis Secondary School, Carrickmacross under 16 football team. Also pictured is the school principal, Mr Gerry

Shankey and panel members

 

 

Our picture shows Mr Pat Shannon of P. Shannon Building Contractors presenting a set of jerseys to Shauna Tuite, captain of
St Louis Secondary School, Carrickmacross under 16 team. Also included in the photo is Ms Eilis McCreesh, P.E. teacher and
team coach and team members, Anna McKenna, Paula Jones and Briona Rowe.

Members of the Student Council of St. Louis Secondary School, Carrickmacross presenting the Principal, Mr. Gerry Shankey

with a defibrillator.  The Council raised the money to purchase the defibrillator through cake sales and a non-uniform day.

 

 

 

Our picture shows Orla Sheridan presenting a cheque for €200 on behalf of Carrickmacross Variety Group to the Principal of

St. Louis Secondary School, Carrickmacross, Mr. Gerry Shankey.  The contribution is towards the cost of a defibrillator.