Sold out 'Sister Act' in Nenagh

Nenagh Choral Society broke box office records as they sold out a five-night run of the comedy musical ‘Sister Act’ at the Scouts Hall last week.

NCS Chairperson Margaret McGee thanked everyone who attended the show over the five nights as well as the loyal sponsors and patrons who donate annually. She went on to say that it’s your generosity and support that allows NCS to continue to flourish and grow. Filling one night is always exciting in the world of show business but filling all five nights was a response that we could never have envisioned.

Under the guidance of Greg Browne, Director, and Stephanie Browne, Choreographer, NCS cast have reaped the rewards for all the hard work they have put in over the last few months to bring together the hit musical comedy, ‘Sister Act’.

'Sister Act' is a musical adaptation of the iconic movie set in Philadelphia in the late 1970s. protagonist Deloris Van Cartier (Stephanie Browne), a vivacious, disco-soul lounge singer, witnesses her lover Curtis (Eoin Byrne) shoot a man dead one evening and finds herself on the run from him. Desperate to flee the wrath of Curtis she enlists the help of former classmate and general good-guy, Police Officer ‘Sweaty’ Eddie (Paudric Walsh), who organises a hide-out for her in a declining convent. And in barely no time at all, the once screeching conglomeration of nuns transforms into a suitably angelic sounding, instrument yielding, band of sisters.
However, the consequence of this transformation is brought to bear and when the remarkable choir end up on television for their efforts they are spotted by Curtis and Deloris’ whereabouts are revealed.

The musical was very enjoyable, and the singing impressive. Niamh Chadwick gave a great performance as the uptight and complex Mother Superior and the ensemble of nuns provided excellent support to Deloris, creating very satisfying group scenes. Maire Long in her first lead role had the audience captivated every night with her rendition of ‘The Life I Never Led’. The impressive energy of the orchestra under the direction of Musical Director William Cullagh anchored the show with remarkable skill giving a great security to the performers.

Of course it’s not just the cast on the stage that make the show; no show would ever get to stage without the support from other areas from the box office team of Ned and Betty, who this year had their work cut out for them; the front of house team for meeting and greeting the public every night, to the set construction and set artist, sound & lighting and back stage teams (set changes, hair & makeup, costumes, props), in bringing this show to life in sound and vision. We thank you all most sincerely.

The Barney & Mabel Trophy was presented to the Society in the 1990s by Derry Dolan in the memory of Barney & Mabel Stewart and all they did for the society in the time they were involved. Every year since Derry presented the trophy to the Society it is awarded to a member on the last night of the show as a recognition of loyalty, service and dedication shown to the society throughout the years.

This year's recipient is Kathryn Condon for her work on show props twice a year every year since 2011.

There is no rest for NCS, though, as they will go straight into preparing for their 70th anniversary celebrations. The 70th Anniversary will be marked on May 25th with a concert incorporating some of the greatest songs from musicals staged by the society over the last 70 years and hopefully seeing some past members returning to the stage to relive their lead roles.

Nenagh Choral Society would also ask if anyone has any photos, article clippings or stories from over the last 70 years that they may like to share/loan to the society for this celebration to please get in touch by email at nenaghchoralsociety@gmail.com; we would love to hear from you.