Showcase 2009/2010
Ka Hei Ng
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Mahmood Abdullah
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Chris Reid
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Corey O'Neill
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Patrycjusz Majer
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Graham Hanlon
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Kevin Foran
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Evan McGivern
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Christopher O'Dwyer
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During Transition Year we had to get involved in the musical and I became
interested in drama through this. I was keen to be involved, as I had done a
small production of Joseph and his Technicolor Dream Coat. Since then I have
a mild interest in doing more and this was my chance. We had rehearsals and I
was nervous, as I could not sing. I knew that this was a problem and knew
that the only way to make sure I got a part was if I did well in the acting. Ms
Dooley was impressed and I got my call back. When my name was called out to
play Eugene my heart melted, as I would be living up to what I had dreamed
for a long time. I knew from now on that we would be pressured into doing well at
everything and we did everything to the best of our ability. Through this musical
I felt like I was on top of the world and that this was my time to shine.Grease was a special moment in my life and was, for me, the highlight of
Transition Year by far. We had rehearsals four days a week and we were going
home with aches and pains after giving it our all through dance and line
rehearsals. We had so many rehearsals that we had the play done to perfection
by the January deadline and Dee Lumsden, the choreographer, was now just
picking at the little things that needed to be perfected and was a person who
didn't take any nonsense from anyone. The opening night we had butterflies in
our stomachs and nerves clenched everyone. We sang songs backstage to calm
ourselves down waiting for the opening scene to commence. My nerves were
shattered by the time it was my scene I had to walk on stage shake a few leaves
and quiver off. When I appeared on stage, I was met with a massive fit of laughing
and this spurred me on. As I shook my leaves crossing the stage, the laughter
seemed to get louder and, as I walked off stage, I had a massive grin on my face
even if was feeling totally embarrassed. By the second night we were like
mini-sized professionals just giving it our all. To my memory I believe we did
our best that night and we will remember that night for a long time.When Thursday night came we knew that this would be the end and everyone
else knew this too. We had a ceremony at the end for all those that made
it worthwhile and meaningful to us and who put in major work to making it
possible. It was a teary-eyed affair; even my multi coloured dickey bow could
not bring a smile to anyone's face. So when we wiped away the make up,
it was like we were wiping away the last four months of our lives; but we all
came away with new friends and strong relationships with everyone involved.I am now in fifth year but am allowed to take part in this year's musical, Fame.
An outside director was brought in. His name is Damien. Mr Houlihan and Ms
Dooley will still be working vigorously around the clock with other affairs and
still taking an active role within the musical. While Mr.Ryan is hanging up his
acting boots, Mr. Keefe will be stepping up to fill in as Mr.Sheinkopf. We are
again training nearly every day to perfect a great musical and make it our own.
Dee Lumsden, the choreographer, is working non-stop to make sure our feet are
moving in time with our mouths. (I won't mention any names Cathal). The acting is
all coming along; the lads all having a good time in the process. We are getting
to know the girls we are dancing with and Dee is the thorn in everyone's side
correcting every little error. HA! HA! HA! We practise three days a week and
so far we are going strong but we all know what to expect in the future - months of
hard work, longer hours, high tension and a lot of sore limbs. But this sacrifice is
well worth the end result we will put on for this play and we will make hundreds
cheer, cry and applaud till they can do so no more.I have enjoyed acting in the last two musicals and would jump at the chance
to act in plays or musicals after Moyle Park College. And I am sad to say my
future education will probably lead me in the other direction. But I am not sad
as I was given the chance to act in two great musicals with great teachers
and fellow students and I just hope the future students keep the candle of the
musicals burning brightly.
