Local 'Superstars' for Limerick Concert Hall
Limerick Musical Society are set to stage the classic rock opera 'Jesus Christ Superstar' at University Concert Hall Limerick, commencing on Thursday April 26th until Saturday 28th, with the show set to feature two familiar faces of the Nenagh stage - Kevin Prout as Jesus and Paul Shesgreen as Judas.
Speaking with the Guardian, the two local actors reflected on the experience of the last few months. It all started back in the autumn when both had a conversation at the end of the Nenagh Choral Society run of 'Les Misérables', where they discussed the recent advertisement for auditions in Limerick for 'Jesus Christ Superstar'.
Kevin had heard about it through some friends within Limerick Musical Society. Paul’s wife Caitriona and their kids suggested he should try for it having spotted it on social media. Both pondered, explored options, put it to rest, decided not to do it, but then one day found themselves standing in front of the production team for JCS in the midst of an audition. That’s show business!
Some time passed and one weekend both learned their fate. They were to be cast in the roles of Jesus and Judas, having previously done the show with NCS in 2014.
And so by January they headed into four months of production. With just over a week to the show, they are ready and, along with a super front line and supporting cast, this will be a show not to miss.
Kevin has established himself locally in Nenagh as a familiar face of both the Nenagh Players and Nenagh Choral Society, with whom he has taken on many leading and challenging roles over the last decade, none more so than Jesus in the NCS production of 2014. Paul, also no stranger to the stage and organisational activities with NCS, last performed on stage as Judas in the NCS production. Four years on both are revisiting a musical that is possibly the most sensational rock opera of all time, cataloguing the greatest story ever told.
Limerick Musical Society has established itself as being one of the leading amateur musical theatre companies in Ireland. It has had the pleasure of performing regularly to sell out audiences in the University Concert Hall, and has been acknowledged for its substantial contribution to the arts and culture of Limerick.
Throughout its 18-year history, the society has produced a spectacular variety of shows ranging from the traditional Gilbert and Sullivan to the modern offerings of 'Evita', 'Chess', and 'Witches of Eastwick'. In recognition of the high standards achieved, the society has also been awarded numerous national laurels from the Association of Irish Musical Societies.
Join the award-winning Limerick Musical Society for their spring production, 'Jesus Christ Superstar', which will be staged at the University Concert Hall from Thursday, April 26th, to Saturday, April 28th, for a three-night run. Considered one of the greatest rock operas ever created, it highlights the political and personal struggles between Jesus and Judas during the last five days in the life of Jesus up to his death. 'JCS' has a brilliant score including the well-known 'Jesus Christ Superstar', 'Heaven On Their Minds', the very moving 'Gethsemane', 'I Don’t Know How to Love Him', and many more.
A superb line-up of talent has been assembled: Kevin Prout (Jesus Christ), Paul Shesgreen (Judas Iscariot), Kim Burke (Mary Magdalene), Nigel Dugdale (Herod), Aidan O’Connell (Pontius Pilate), Ger Tracey, James Malone, Radim Zedka and Patrick Woulfe (High Priests), along with a fantastic chorus line who can sing and dance like superstars!
Set in current times, as recommended by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, Director Des Henn and his production team - Musical Director Maire Keary Scanlon, Choreographer Niamh Twomey, set construction by Tom Lynch and Made for Stage, lighting by Joe Betts, costumes by Jacinta Florish, and Stage Manager Mike O’Regan - have embarked on creating a unique staging of this iconic musical. A distinctive and imaginative set, superb leads, a strong supporting cast, a talented orchestra, super choreography, costuming and all the elements of current day survival make this a production not to be missed.
Tickets cost €23/€20 plus booking fee and can be purchased from UCH Box Office on (061) 331549 or www.uch.ie.