Limerick musical marvel continues to shine bright
AFTER receiving praise for her previous musical performance, one Limerick student is ready to sing on top of the Bell Tower.
Bruree-based performer, Madeline Blackwell (17) will play the lead role of Esmeralda in the Tipperary Musical Society’s production of ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame.’
After having auditioned last October, the musical marvel was delighted to win the part based on the Victor Hugo novel, which will see her perform at the Excel Centre in Tipperary Town, from February 13 to 18.
For Madeline, the outspoken Romani young woman is a dream role. “It’s a really amazing role. She’s probably a dream character to play, she’s just very good and has a lot of qualities,” she commented.
Is there something Madeline and Esmeralda have in common? “She has a really big heart. She's tough on the outside, but she’s kind - and you see that when she's interacting with others.”
When she first heard about the lead part of Esmeralda, Madeline was playing Deloris Van Cartier in the Excel Youth Theatre’s re-enactment of Sister Act – a production in which she stunned the crowds with her performance.
Since last October, she has been rehearsing alongside director Paul Norton, choreographer Stephanie Browne, and musical director Mary Rose McNally.
Speaking of working with a production outside a school setting, she noted: “I really enjoy working with older people because I get to learn off of them and improve. It’s very good to watch people as well and just kind of observe different styles of acting.
“Everyone’s very welcoming and caring, it’s lovely. I’ve just been trying to mimic the standard of the dancing, and I’ve been learning new singing techniques,” Madeline added.
As a 5th year student in Scoil Pól in Kilfinane, Madeline receives huge support from her school community, many of whom will be there to see her perform. But, her biggest fans remain her grandparents, who are always there to see her shine bright.