Harmony – A Christmas Special! Directed by Finbar Hannon
At the Methodist Church hall, Friar Street, Youghal.
Mon 5th, Wed 7th, & Thur 8th December 2011

Show-stoppers, Sea Shanties, Gospel Singing, Christmas Songs and Comedy – all at the Methodist Church hall, Friar Street, Youghal on Mon 5th, Wed 7th, & Thur 8th December 2011!

Harmony’s Christmas Special, directed by Finbar Hannon, will be a terrific night’s entertainment for all, and features the excellent and wide-ranging talent of this group.

‘Harmony’ is an entirely voluntary and open group and new members are always very welcome.  It doesn’t ask for financial assistance from the already hard-pressed local community – it is self-supporting. ‘Harmony’s’ shows are always to a very high standard and thoroughly enjoyable.  Among it’s many successes are ‘Many Young Men of Twenty’, ‘Some Enchanted Evening’, ‘From Here to Broadway’, ‘A tribute to John B & Showtime’ and ‘Guys and Dolls’, along with various recitals, concerts and Christmas Shows.

Harmony specialises in doing a great job for pocket-friendly ticket prices. €10 for a great night and a complementary tea or coffee!

Youghal theatrical troupe “Harmony” will perform a Christmas special

Harmony, Youghal’s highly talented singing and dancing group will perform Weenie, a newly-written, musical comedy as their Christmas 2010 presentation.  The show will run for four nights from Dec. 6th to the 9th. As the promotional blurb tells us, the time is the 1960’s, that gloriously optimistic era during which “we first began asking the question we’re still asking – ‘What’s happenin’ man?!’” (Indeed, of late we’ve been asking it more than ever!)  The place is Cork city with, like the old railway line of the time, strong links to Youghal. Report:  Christy Parker / Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com email: news@youghalonline.com

Weenie is written by Harmony’s veteran stage and musical director Finbar Hannon and features a cast of over 30. Its eclectic set of characters present an array of “gamblers, chancers, baters, lovers, teddy-boys and teeny-boppers –and a dead cat.” There is also someone called Madge, “up from the country” and carrying more superstitions than a street load of ladders on Friday 13th.

While the title role is played by Martin Hennessy, with Ruth Hayes as his friend Rita (both 28), the actors are cast as equal status. “That’s because the story is essentially about the “the innocence and hidden strength of ‘little’ (ordinary) people at a head-spinning turning-point for us all,” says PRO Ann Brookes. “Most of all,” she adds smilingly, “it is a hilarious, heart-warming love story with an explosive, hand-clapping, toe-tapping finale!” A happy ending seems assured in this tale of pre-Nama Ireland.

Debut

The play also marks Finbar’s debut as a stage writer. Having first nurtured, 20 years ago, the shadow of an idea that he might possibly consider chancing to write something for the theatre sometime perhaps, he finally put the process to paper last May, applying the final full stop in August.

In doing so, he has not only woven a story but has embellished it magnificently with original songs alongside inspired parodies of recognisable tunes. Few writers/directors are better placed in the history of Youghal theatre to do so.

Finbar’s lengthy credit roll of success includes musical director of such shows as The Communication Chord, Annie, South Pacific, Dancing as Lughnasa, Oklahoma  and My Fair Lady.  As an actor, he has won Best Actor Award at the All Ireland Drama Festival and played leading roles with Cork’s Everyman and guested with the Abbey Touring Company. He can also reflect on many immensely successful and fulfilling years with the Youghal Choral Society, during which many premier awards were acquired the length and breadth of Ireland.

For its part, Harmony is a self-supporting theatre company “dedicated to the development of singing and acting talent in the community,” says Ann. “We are entirely voluntary and needless to say, new members are forever welcome,” she adds.

The formula seems infallible. Since Hannon met Harmony, hailed productions have included Many Young Men of Twenty, Some Enchanted Evening, From Here to Broadway, Guys and Dolls and A Tribute to John B & Showtime. That’s not to mention various concerts and recitals. The 2010 crew features several new faces, front of stage and back.

Christmas spirit

It merits mention also that this year’s show is presenting adaptable set units, along with a stage extension and steps unit. The non-technically minded will just have to employ their eyes to appreciate these innovations but their construction is due to the generosity of Jimmy and Maurice Flanagan. The works have been donated to the Mall Arts Centre for perpetual use by all local and visiting groups. Makes up for the dead cat.

Weenie runs at the Mall Arts Centre from MondayDecember 6th to Thursday December 9th , commencing at 8pm. Adm: Adults €12, chislers €10, available on door or in advance from Cree’s card shop (024) 93899.

Cast in order of appearance:

Finbar Hannon; Kitty Kenny; Mary Clohessy; Ruth Hayes; Jimmy Flanaghan; Con Kiely; Martin Hennessy; Liz Morey; Alice Terry; Ann Brooks; Paul Kenefick; Jimmy Morey; Pa Murphy; Monica Parsons; Jordan Hennessy; Liz Coleman Lee; Maeve Henegan; Tommy Curtin; Heather Boyle; Beverly O’Brien; Kieran Leahy; Breeda Dempsey; Tish Flanagan; Masie Kenefick; Liz Coleman; Margaret Moloney; Adam Drake; Leah Ahern; Matthew Doherty; Alan Ware; Eoghan Moloney; Elena Schaffer O’Regan; Beth O’Reilly;and Corky the Cat

CLICK ON IMAGE TO SEE PREVIEW SCENE’S FROM THE SHOW – All photos Michael Hussey www.YoughalOnline.com

Beat the cabin fever this weekend as weather conditions are set to improve and head down to the KGK Community Sports Hall for an action packed Comedy night. This is your final reminder to come along this Friday night the 10th or Saturday 11th at  8.15pm to enjoy two comedies, “Moules Mariniere” by Mary Marron and “And The Winner Is” by Mitch Albom, both directed by Tomas Roche. As always in Knockanore a friendly welcome and atmosphere awaits you along with a warm cup of tea or coffee at the interlude as you collectively share in the enjoyment of the night. The cast of both plays are sure to keep you entertained with their exciting and competent performances. For any enquiries you can call Ber O’ Farrell on 024 97315 /087 9940043 or Bridget Hunt on 086 8398247.

Remember to book the hall or simply make an enquiry for birthday parties, meetings, classes, or anything else you may require the space for you can do so by calling 087 9675399  between 7pm and 9pm.

The KGK Community Sports Hall is kindly sponsored by Tallow Area Credit Union.

‘Weenie’! The Mall Arts Centre, 8pm – Youghal Dec 6th – 9th inclusive

A brilliant, new comedy will have its premiere at The Mall Arts Centre, Youghal, from Monday Dec 6th to Thurs Dec 9th (incl).  It is presented by the multi-talented ‘Harmony’ group and is their Christmas Show for this year.  It promises to be a fantastic night’s fun for all the family. It would be a good idea to book at Cree’s Card Shop (024 93899) by you can also pay at the door.  As usual, with ‘Harmony’ the emphasis will be on top quality entertainment at budget prices – Adults €12 Children €10.

‘Weenie’! features gamblers, chancers, baters, lovers, Teddy-boys and Teenie- boppers, singers, dancers and a dead Cat!

It is a story of the innocence and hidden strength of  ‘little’ people at a head-spinning turning-point for us all – the sixties, when we first began to ask the question we’re  still asking now: ‘What’s happenin’ man’?

But most of all, it is a hilarious and heart-warming love-story.  Then, as now, all anyone ever wanted was a happy ending.  In ‘Weenie’! – in an explosive, hand-clapping, toe-tapping finale – we get it!

‘Weenie’! with original songs and parodies is written by local man, Finbar Hannon.  It is his first play.  Finbar is an accomplished stage and musical director.  He has many shows to his credit, including ‘The Communication Cord’, ‘Many Young Men of Twenty’, ‘Dancing at Lughnasa’, ‘The Sound of Music’, ‘Oklahoma’, ‘Annie’, ‘South Pacific’, ‘Some Enchanted Evening’, ‘My Fair Lady’ and ‘Guys and Dolls’.

As an actor, he has won Best Actor Award at the All Ireland Drama Festival, played leading roles with Everyman Theatre and guested with The Abbey Touring Company.  Among his fondest memories are those of Youghal Choral Society, when they won premier awards at festivals throughout the country, including a two-in- a-row at the Cork Choral festival.

He is currently musical and stage director for ‘Harmony’, which is dedicated to the further development of singing and acting talent in the community.  ‘Harmony’ is an entirely voluntary and open group and new members are always very welcome.  It doesn’t ask for financial assistance from the already hard-pressed local community – it is self-supporting. ‘Harmony’s’ shows are always to a very high standard and thoroughly enjoyable.  Among it’s many successes are ‘Many Young Men of Twenty’, ‘Some Enchanted Evening’, ‘From Here to Broadway’, ‘A tribute to John B & Showtime’ and ‘Guys and Dolls’, along with various recitals, concerts and Christmas Shows.

extension and steps unit – all expertly constructed, free of charge, by Jimmy and Maurice Flanagan – to the Mall Arts centre, for use by other local and visiting groups, with a big kiss and a Happy Christmas!

Don’t forget: ‘Weenie’!, Mall Arts Centre, Mon – Thurs, 6th to 9th Dec. 8pm. Adults €12, Children €10. Book at Cree’s Card Shop 024 93899 or pay at the door.

Don’t miss it!

Oona Colin
Facilities Coordinator
The Mall Arts Centre/St. Mary’s Collegiate Church
Tel: 083 360 6507

5.27 pm Tuesday 26th Jan
URGENT NOTICE FOR THIS WEEK - news just in from Brideview Drama Tues

Due to a sudden and very unfortunate family loss for some of the cast of Brideview Drama’s show, ‘Tom Dick & Harry’, THIS THURSDAY NIGHT’S (Jan 28th) PERFORMANCE IS CANCELLED.

The shows planned for this Friday and Saturday nights will go ahead (Jan 29 and 30).

Many apologies for the very late notice, but this sad news is just in.

regards

–
Vanessa Hyde
PRO
Brideview Drama, Tallow
Co Waterford, Ireland
087 6733 782

Need a great show this Saturday night coming????

After a cracking show in Cork – a full house and standing ovation from the audience! – Bideview Drama bring their great New York play ‘Pied a Terre’ to Kilworth, Co Cork (near Fermoy) this Saturday night, Dec 5, at 8PM. All welcome!

This is the Irish premiere of the play by John Anastasi. Directed by Jack Aherne, with set design by Mary Sheehan, Stage
Management by Judy Burton, lighting by John Roche and makeup by Celine Earl, there is much to enjoy in this very modern drama. Pied a Terre is set in today’s New York and is about Jack (played by Eddie Kelly), Julia (Vanessa Hyde) and Katie (Irene Kelleher). There are lots of interesting plot-twists, laughs and dramatic moments to enjoy throughout – a very modern
love-triangle! Tickets available on the door.
–
Vanessa Hyde
PRO
Brideview Drama, Tallow
Co Waterford, Ireland
087 6733 782

A huge well done and congratulations to all involved in Brideview Drama’s 1-Act comedy, ‘The Loaded Dog’. With 5 performances completed at various Munster 1-Act Drama Festivals, the group did very well with prizes.

Behind the scenes the three actors had much help from members of the group. Patrick Smith, Orla Devlin and John O’Dea had great fun rehearsing and performing the play, and entertaining audiences. Matthew Kavanagh was congratulated on many occasions for his soundscape, sound effects and lighting plot. Monica Murphy did excellent work as Stage Manager and the play benefitted from all sorts of props and advice provided by Jack Aherne.

This silly, exhausting, full-action comedy went to five festivals during November: Ballincollig (where it came second), Rossmore, Haulbowline, Cork (at the Cat Club) and Castlelyons (where it won the Best Play award – nice one for the director, James Hyde). Patrick won a very well-deserved Best Actor award at Castlelyons (plus two nominations for the same award at other festivals). Orla got a nomination for Best Actor in Cork (great for someone on their first outing on the national circuit, and competing at ‘Open’ level), and John was admired by many for his very good vocal delivery.

Meanwhile Brideview’s “Festival” 3-Act play for 2010, “Pied a Terre”, directed by Jack Aherne has just completed its second performance – this time at Aghada Community Centre near Midleton.Once again the set looked superb (designed by Mary Sheehan and built by Jack, Eddie, Peter, Judy and Ger) and a large crowd attended despite the horrific weather conditions!The Aghada audience were very appreciative, even though they found sections of the story rather “saucy” (they had forgotten to say “Adults Only”, so some younger members sneaked in!), and wished Jack and the excellent cast and crew all the best on the circuit next year. Thanks again to Judy – the speed dresser in the wings, and to John Roche for his support performing the thankless task of sitting in the wings and hanging and re-hanging pictures as required! Next performance is on Thursday December 3rd at the Cork Arts Theatre where we hope to have a full-house attending – come along if you haven’t seen it yet, it is a lovely cosy venue and the cast and crew would appreciate the support! Cork Arts Theatre is on Carroll’s Quay, just across the river from Cork Opera House.

Rehearsals for Brideview’s January 2010 farce “Tom, Dick & Harry” continue apace with David Murphy at the helm. The set is taking shape and doors can be heard slamming (on set!) in the Tallow Community Centre, so audiences can look forward to another energetic, action packed ride. Cast includes; Will Motherway, Sean Tobin, James Hyde, John Roche, Audrey Sheehan, Mary Curley, Emer Martin, Martin Sheehan and Tomas Roche. Stage Management is being ably performed by Sarah Curley (Allen).

Finally, if you want to see hundreds of pictures from David Murphy’s ‘Christening Party’ comedy held back in September in Tallow in aid of the Tallow Community Council, visit the following website (many thanks to Brian Fitzgerald for the photos): http://tallow.myphotoalbum.com.

COMEDY – Bringing much needed laughter in times lacking good news and sunshine, Choke Comedy Improv’ from Limerick and Cork will be performing at the centre on Friday October 9th from 8pm.
By www.youghalonline.com Arts reporter   E Mail  news@youghalonline.com

‘Choke Comedy Improv’, have been going from strength to strength, with a sell out show and a Special Judges’ Award from Limerick Unfringed 2009 under their belt, the troupe have performed regularly in Java’s U.L., The Precinct, Listowel, Kilmallock, Birr and the Belltable @ 36 Cecil Street.
Choke Comedy sets foot on stage with no script or safety net. A show that is driven by its audience, If you enjoyed Whose Line Is It Anyway? Choke Comedy Improv are the night out for you.  Go on, have a laugh and pick up your tickets at Crees Card Shop for only €10.  For more details contact Oona on 083 360 6507.

Watch this space for news on Ireland’s most popular family comedian Brendan Grace coming to our doorstep on October 20th, a play on the life and times of Irish poet Patrick Kavanagh from the London Irish Theatre group and the very popular and very funny Jon Kenny.
If you would like details on upcoming events and concerts in the Mall Arts Centre, send an email to themallartscentre@gmail.com where you’ll be added to our mailing list and be the first to know whats on!

The Gate pub in South Main Street, Youghal will host an open mic night on Tuesday July 28th. Music, poetry, stories and general free expression within (or only barely outside) the libel laws were synonymous on such nights back when the old pub was known as the Clock and heavy rain could blow the electrics!

As then, all in attendance are invited to contribute.  Humourist poet Christy Parker, a recent guest at Lismore’s Immrama festival and Paul Casey, renowned poet from Cork’s  O’Bheal poetry group, plus other O’Bheal guests,  are also expected to perform. Music by Dave Scully.  Starts about 9.15