HUGH LEONARD’S ‘DA’ RUNS THIS WEEKEND IN KILWORTH

All is set for the opening on this Thursday night of ‘Da’, the Palace Players’ presentation of Hugh Leonard’s wonderful comedy. This year’s director, Noelle Clarke has gathered the ideal cast for this play which tells of the relationship between Da and his adopted son Charlie.

The play is set in the family home on the evening of Da’s funeral and although the old man has passed on, he keeps coming back into Charlie’s mind.

Hugh Leonard allows us look back through different stages of Charlie’s life - at seven years of age when his da takes him for a walk with the dog ‘round the Vico; then interview for his first job with old Drumm; Da’s last day at work etc.

With the exception of Marcianne Clifford who plays Mother, seven of the eight-strong cast have all played with the group in previous productions.

Liam Howard takes on the role of Da with Sean Ahern and Brian Fenton playing Charlie and Young Charlie respectively. Bernard Gallagher is the affable Oliver while John Murphy plays the strict employer, Old Drumm; Noelle Clarke is cast as Mary Tate (The Yellow Peril) and Kate Murphy plays Mrs Prynn.

The play runs for just four nights and with the exception of a possible extra date on Monday night (depending on demand), this will be the only run of the play due to cast commitments.

Special ticket price on opening night (€10/8), booking at The Avondhu office, Fermoy on 025-32227, Cotter’s Bar, Kilworth (025-27109), Hyland’s Bookshop, Mitchelstown (025-24528) or on 087-6492514.

MITCHELSTOWN MUSICAL SOCIETY TO STAGE ‘BIG AL - THE MUSICAL’

“Big Al” our next production promises to be a rip roaring musical based on the life and times of America’s most infamous gangster Al Capone. The story is based around various parts of Chicago in the prohibition era of the 1920s.

A lot of the action is based on the gang warfare between Al Capone’s Italian followers and the Irish hoodlums – The O’Haras and the O’Banions. The music and dancing will be fast and jazzy, the dialogue will be witty, racy, and comical.

Our first meeting of the new season will be on Tuesday, October 7th at 8pm in the Town Hall. This will give new and present members a chance to get to know each other. All will be welcome. Intending members should mainly be over sixteen years old. T

here will be lots of parts for those interested and there will be plenty of scope for people who might prefer a back stage role – prompters, stage hands, front of house people running the nightly shows, stage management, lights, any talent you have will be welcome.

If you think you are useless we have a place for you. We will do a big makeover on your uselessness. We guarantee the feel good factor. If you don’t believe it call on Tuesday night you might even enjoy yourself.

So, turn off that ubiquitous box in the corner get a life for yourself. We await your presence. “Get our there and break a leg”.

THE KILKENNYS FOR KILWORTH

The Kilkennys (formerly Uisce Beatha) are a four piece ballad group from Co Kilkenny, and although still in their early twenties the boys have entertained audiences all over Ireland for the best part of a decade.

Trips to Great Britain, Europe and three visits to the U.S.A. have given them a chance to show their talents to a wider audience. Influenced mainly by Irish artists such as The Wolfe Tones, Christy Moore, The Dubliners and The Fureys, their shows are lively, energetic, and the unique blend of traditional instruments and four tightly structured vocals always leaves the crowd wanting more.

The Kilkennys are: Davey Cashin (vocals, mandolin, banjo, tin whistles; Adam Cashin (vocals and bodhran), Tommy Mackey (vocals and bass guitar) and Robbie Campion (vocals, acoustic guitar and banjo). The lads will be joined by a group of Irish dancers which will add even more to their performance.

Tickets now on sale (€15/12.50) from 025-32227) and usual outlets.

CHICAGO DIVA IS BACK!

After a spectacularly successful run during the Summer at the Half Moon Series, Karen Underwood is back with her spell binding one woman show that interweaves the story of her own life with the incredible songs of Nina Simone, highlighting the heartache, pain, joy and empowerment that she has experienced growing up black in America.

Having only first discovered the music of Nina Simone when she moved to Cork in 1997, Karen instantly felt a deep personal connection to the lyrics. Karen will perform Nina’s timeless songs including ‘Aint Got No’, ‘My Baby Just Cares for Me’, ‘Here Comes the Sun’ and ‘Feeling Good’.

“Langston Hughes says we make the world we live in and then we have to live in it. I have written this autobiographical piece because for so long the obstacles of religion, racism and sexuality have hindered me from my God-given desire to tell sing and live a story that I hope others will make a connection with on some level’.

Karen Underwood sings Nina Simone at the Half Moon Theatre, Cork from Saturday, 18th October (check Half Moon website for additional dates) at 8.30pm. Booking 021-4270022.

ENCOURAGING START FOR FERMOY’S NEW YOUTH THEATRE GROUP

Plenty of opportunities for adults interested in amateur drama but not a lot of options for younger people interested in getting on the theatrical ladder. That was the case in Fermoy up to now, however, things have changed radically with the setting up of Trap Door Youth Theatre.

This progressive organisation aims to provide young people with an insight into the world of stagecraft. The group took their first big step in Fermoy Rowing Club last Thursday with the hosting of a registration night. There was a good turnout of children and parents and the paper work was taken care of without too much difficulty.

Trap Door Youth Theatre PRO, Michelle Roche said the response was very encouraging.