Students impress in performance of Aladdin
There was a great buzz of anticipation around the school and indeed around the town itself, in the lead up to this year's musical - our first since 2019. This year’s production of Aladdin certainly lived up to expectations. It was full houses and standing ovations every night which was no less than this exceptional group of performers deserved. What an extravaganza of colour, humour, elaborate dancing, beautiful singing and a standard of superb acting.
Director/Choreographer Therese Maher once again worked her magic in directing an excellent and entertaining show. The exceptional talent of Musical Director Mary Rose McNally was evident in the beautiful and confident singing of all on stage. The entire cast certainly did justice to the big chorus showstoppers like ‘Friend Like Me’, ‘Arabian Nights’ and ‘Prince Ali’. Colm Gleeson in the lead role was very impressive on stage. This, combined with his lovely singing voice, made him so endearing as the wily, love struck Aladdin. Molly Nevin gave a wonderful performance as the sassy but romantic Princess Jasmine. Their classic duet ‘A Whole New World’ was beautifully performed. Molly’s rendition of ‘Beyond These Palace Walls’ was faultless. The harmonies in this number (sung by the princess’ three handmaids - Naomi Conlon, Abigail Adlum and Lucy Barton) was delightful.
The fast-talking, magical Genie was brilliantly played by Beni Varadi. His wonderful acting ability combined with his powerful singing voice made for a fabulous portrayal of this colourful, bombastic character. The on-stage dynamics between Aladdin and the Genie made for some hilarious, memorable moments.
The part of the evil royal advisor Jafar, was convincingly played by John Cleere. Along with his ego-stroking sidekick Iago (played by Lucy Daly), it was clear that this duo thoroughly enjoyed being such good baddies! Don Devine, Eoin Boyle and Cian Sheedy provided huge entertainment as Aladdin’s three buddies. Together they really brought the comic bromance between the characters Babkak, Omar and Kassim to life. Along with Aladdin and the very strong chorus, these boys gave a wonderful, upbeat performance of the catchy number ‘Babkak, Omar, Aladdin Kassim’. They were also great in another audience favourite ‘Somebody’s Got Your Back’.
Jonah Ryan showed himself to be a natural on stage in his role as the Sultan with great singing and strong acting. Prince Abdullah was well played by Donnchadh Broderick, Razoul by Stephen Tuohy and other characters (guards, market sellers etc) by Joss Devine, Adam Tynan O’Connor, Joe Johnston, Eimear Hennessy. Isabelle Adlum was perfect as the local fortune teller. Ely Carroll opened the show as the storyteller Abanazar welcoming us all to the city of Agrabah...... “the city of enchantment... where every beggar has a story and every camel has a tail”. He did a great job, especially in leading the chorus in that powerful, opening number ‘Arabian Nights’.
The enchanting and magical world of Agrabah was also convincingly created by the sets. Art teacher Finn O’ Hara was responsible for the wonderful set design and construction. The colourful array of costumes on stage was all thanks to the hard work of Ms Aileen Cashman. Hats off again to Ms Anne Marie Johnston (production team co-ordinator) for another fantastic production. This was a show that had it all! Congratulations to the entire production team and to all students involved (on stage, back stage, band, front stage etc).