For this school year's musical, Ms. O'Flanagan decided to produce 'West Side Story'. Auditioning for the 2nd years, TY's and 5th years began in August, and by early September the musical was casted and rehearsal could begin.
Ms. O'Flanagan, along with all of the cast, stayed back after school hours on many occasions to rehearse scenes and songs for the musical. A lot of dedication and time had to be put in by all involved. A dance instructor came to the school to teach students moves for some scenes. Everyone was enjoying rehearsals and eagerly awaited show time. As the weeks got closer, that meant more rehearsals, and longer rehearsals. There was great anticipation and a buzzing atmosphere as the show was just around the corner.
The first performance came along, a matinee for local national schools, on Wednesday October 26. The cast and crew finally had their hard work paid off. It was a great performance to get the show underway. There were two more matinees on Thursday and Friday, as well as 3 night shows on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. There were some outstanding performances from the cast and everything ran very smoothly. Every audience had only good things to say about the show, it was a huge success!
I'd like to say a huge thanks and well done to all of the cast and behind the scenes crew. The students for their fantastic performances and hard work, Luke Mannion for producing the DVD, Ms. O'Neill for the costumes, Nigel and Mr. Frain for constructing the set, Ms. Burke and Ms. Clerkin for their input the whole way through, and especially Ms. O'Flanagan, the mastermind behind it all!
Before Christmas, we decided to undergo a TY production that we would perform after the Easter. This linked into drama studies for our English classes. Ms. De Burca, a local drama enthusiast and Ann C Molloy chose a script they thought would be suitable for such a cast size as many of us were eager to take to the stage and try something new.
It's fair to say it did take us all some time to get truly into character with the 1960s Kerry style script. The big work began before and during the Easter holidays and was greatly aided by the set production in the lunchroom. Special thanks to Nigel and the construction teachers for helping us with the set.
With costumes sorted over Easter, the show began to come together bit by bit. Full run-throughs began and our musicians were brought on the scene. They were a fantastic addition and added lots of life to the shows. We made up hampers for the raffles and prizes were generously donated. Beautiful posters were designed by Valerie Keaveney and dotted around the surrounding communities. The set was put up and perfected in the town hall. There was no turning back now…
Fast forward to bank holiday Monday, the day before our first public production. Costumes and make-up on, musicians seated and our “alcoholic” beverages at the ready, we began our dress rehearsal and added the finishing touches.
Tuesday 2nd May; the day of our first show. We had another dress rehearsal which was almost flawless. Then onto the evening, the big debut. There were some nerves and mistakes but thanks to past experiences of musicals however, we managed to hide them extremely well.
We performed for second years on Wednesday, slightly nervous, but everybody's hard work was evident as all ran smoothly. We then rested for a few hours before returning to the town hall for our final show, excited yet again. The atmosphere that night was unbelievable. This could be put down to a full house with people even seated on the stairs. Everything went perfectly, ending the experience on a good note.
Not over yet though, the group decided to perform again for the school on Friday afternoon. Although we were exhausted from the Awakening concert in Castlebar the day before, the show went well ending it on a high for good this time.
TY’s were either on stage, helping with drinks and props backstage or controlling the lights and sound. Huge thanks to everybody who helped us make this show a success especially Ms. De Burca, Ann C Molloy and Nigel for all of their hours, insight and patience! Mary-Jo Fitzpatrick and the musicians, those who donated prizes and helped with the raffle, set, backstage, prompting and front of house, the town hall and community centre for the use of the facilities, parents and guardians for bringing us to and from rehearsals and to the audience and school for the great support. This was a great achievement for our class enjoyed by all.
On Monday the 27th of February, TY`s were involved in a day of driving organized by Mr. Lennon. The Irish school of excellence came from Cork to spend the day with us. The three lads taught us about driving lessons, practical experience, safety awareness, theory test and how to be a happy driver. On the day, we completed driving lessons with Cathal from Daly school of driving. We also practiced questions from the theory test and each of us learnt how to change a tire. At the end of the day we watched a video about drink driving and learnt the effects of driving with the consumption of alcohol. A good day was had by all.
On the 6th of May 2017 Glenamaddy held its first Darkness Into Light Walk in aid of Pieta House. At 4.15 a.m., after a letter was read by Fr.Mooney at the school, over 650 people set off for the 5k run/walk in a flood of yellow t-shirts. A big crowd returned to the school after for refreshments although many rushed back to their beds…
The event was a major success and there was a great buzz even in the early hours of the morning. The TY’s helped to promote the event through posters and word of mouth. They also helped on the day, singing as people arrived and tidying up afterwards. Thanks to everybody who helped out for this good cause. Darkness Into Light will undoubtedly be in Glenamaddy for many years to come.
The TY class went to Galway on 13th December for their annual Christmas Trip. They started the day at Astrobay in Renmore, Galway. Everyone took part in a game of Bubble Soccer, as a change from previous years who went ice-skating. After everyone went to browse the Christmas market and the other festive attractions.
