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Let’s hope a new Christmas tradition has started in Youghal with last night’s (Thur 8th Dec 2011) staging of Harmony’s Christmas Special in the Methodist Hall. I left the hall with a spring in my step, a song on my lips and a kindly wish for Christmas. The whole experience was full of seasonal atmosphere. This was largely due to the venue, the staging, the choice of programme and the great talent. Report/Pics by YOL.
Harmony Christmas Special at the Methodist Church hall, Friar Street, Youghal.
Before the performance the director Finbar Hannon thanked the many people who helped with the production including, Gordon Good and the Methodist Community, Susan Healy who decorated the hall and the accompanist for the night Tracey Symon.
The first half of the programme was a medley of songs from the musicals mixed with solo vocal performances by Terri Fitzgerald, Ruth Hayes, Tish Flanagan Pa Murphy, Leah Ahern and Liz Coleman and a solo harp performance by Jane Crowley.
Harmony director Finbar Hannon presents a cheque of 500 euros on behalf of the group to John Power,President of St Vincent de Paul, Youghal Branch. The group were delighted to support the local charity from the monies raised at the successful Harmony Christmas Special.
During the interval a presentation was made by the director Finbar Hannon on behalf of Harmony to John Power who accepted the cheque on behalf of St Vincent de Paul.
The second half got under way with the audience swaying and singing along to the Gospel Songs performed by Harmony Choir conducted by Finbar. The Gospel singing was followed by more numbers from the solo artists and then a duet from cousins Esther and Kitty who sang the well known number “Sisters”! One of the high lights of the show was the re- enactment of the 1915 singing of ‘Silent Night in No Man’s Land’ between the trenches. The solo was performed by Finbar Hannon supported by the male members of the Harmony Choir. The whole effect was both memorable and moving.
Duet from cousins Esther and Kitty who sang the well known number “Sisters”!
Changing the tempo up a gear the Harmony Choir was joined by children from Blackwater Academy, Chatterbox and High Spirits for a medley of Festive Favourites. The atmosphere created got the audience to join in with gusto. Another moving interlude was created by Jack and Esther performing the duet ‘A Winter’s Tale’. The entire show was rounded off with two Christmas Carols ‘O Come all ye Faithful’ and a powerful rendition of ‘Silent Night’.
The intimacy and atmosphere of the setting along with the joyful participation of the audience made for a special Christmas event to be remembered and hopefully to be repeated.
‘Harmony’ is pleased to announce that we have secured performance rights for Martin McDonagh’s hilarious play ‘The Cripple of Inishmaan’ which we will stage in the Community Centre in May 2012.
Terri Fitzgerald sings "I Don't Know How to Love Him" from the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar. Webber/Rice
Solo harp performance by Jane Crowley
Director Finbar Hannon
Click on image to enlarge – Photos by YOL
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 on stage with their fantastic production of Guys and Dolls which will feature in the Christmas special - Pic: Michael Hussey
‘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
The local ‘Harmony’ musical group performed recently at the Youghal International Spanish College Chapel. Ann Brooks from the group said they were more than happy with the new venue. The group performed a variety concert with musical director Finbar Hannon at the helm, accompanied by Tracy Symon on piano. The International Spanish College, formerly the Presentation Convent, was a beautiful setting for such a concert. The performers, singers and audience all had a great night and delighted to help in the fundraising for the local Youghal Cancer Suppport Group. Pic: Michael Hussey
Some of the 'Harmony' singers at the Spanish school chapel
‘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' performing at the Spanish school chapel
The International Spanish College, formerly the Presentational Convent, Youghal.
Tilly McCarthy and her daughter Eve at the 'Harmony' variety concert
Some of the 'Harmony' singers at the Spanish school chapel
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!
Musical director Finbar Hannon. Pic: YoughalOnline.com
‘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.
This year ‘Harmony’ is presenting adaptable set units, along with a stage 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!
Show-stoppers, Sea Shanties, Gospel Singing, Christmas Songs and Comedy – all at The Mall Arts Centre, Youghal on Tuesday and Wednesday 15th and 16th December!
Picture: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com
Youghal theatrical troupe "Harmony" will perform a Christmas special
After, Harmony’s fantastic success with Guys and Dolls last May, they are now busily rehearsing a great new show especially for Christmas. (Tickets already on sale at Cree’s Card Shop)
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 can always be depended on for a great show. Previous productions include; ‘Many Young Men of Twenty’, ‘Some Enchanted Evening’, ‘Dancing at Lughnasa’, ‘Showtime and Here’s to John B’, ‘From Here to Broadway’, and ofcourse, their most recent production, the brilliant Guys and Dolls.
Harmony specialises in doing a great job for pocket-friendly ticket prices. €10 for a great night and a complementary tea or coffee!
Book now to avoid disappointment – call to Cree’s Card Shop, North Main Street, or simply phone 024 93899.
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 !
For further details on any of the above or to make a booking at the Mall Arts Centre, call 083 360 6507 now!
‘Harmony’ is now recruiting for it’s next show, ‘Guys and Dolls’.
If you would like to audition for ‘Guys and Dolls’, contact Mary at 024 92388.
One of Broadway’s most hilarious shows, ‘Guys and Dolls’ has been described as’the perfect musical comedy’. It is based on a Damon Runyon short story, which describes the unlikely romance between a pure-at-heart member of the Salvation Army and a slick Broadway gambler. The show’s second romantic storyline involves Nathan Detroit and Miss Adelaide, who have been engaged for fourteen years! Nathan organises the ‘oldest established permanent floating crap game in New York’ and Adelaide is the main attraction at the Hot-Box nightclub.
‘Guys and Dolls’ is chock-full of great characters – tough, lovable and very, very funny.
If you would like to audition for ‘Guys and Dolls’, contact Mary at 024 92388.
Photo| Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com) Finbar in action with the singing group Harmony at the Mall Arts Centre
Finbar has always been interested in music, and learned to play piano at Presentation Convent, taught by Sr. Mary Colman, and later at St. Colman’s College, Fermoy, by Paddy Hegarty. In UCC he was a member of the Dramatic and Choral Societies. He joined the bass line of the Youghal Choral Society – founded by the late Mrs. Evelyn O’Regan and Mother Cecilia of Loreto Convent – in its second year. Marie, his late wife, was already a member. He was appointed conductor of the Read more
By Christy Parker | Photo Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com)
Musical Troupe Harmony
In a novel and creative project, famous songs with Irish connections are woven into a new storyline in Youghal musical troupe Harmony’s latest production. Director/Producer Finbar Hannon has taken over 20 numbers from such legendary artists as Percy French and George M. Cohen to create From Here to Broadway, the story of a teenage emigrant’s journey to London and New York in pursuit of Read more
From Here To Broadway
Performed by “Harmony” Music & Dance Group, at Community Centre, Youghal running from May 21st – 25th Read more
