Kilcormac school musical was an explosion of colour and fun

THERE was an explosion of colour and fun last week when Coláiste Naomh Cormac's Transition Year students put on their Musical “Disco Inferno” in Kilcormac.

This was the school's first show in three years, following a pandemic-induced hiatus and it was a great choice because it gave the students the licence to dress up in very imaginative and colourful 1970s gear and to enjoy some of the great pop tunes of that decade. It was obvious to everyone watching that all the TY students had put in a huge amount of work preparing for the show, and that they were all really enjoying themselves.

The Musical Director Ms Browne said it had been refreshing to see and hear “the hive of activity over the past few weeks preparing for tonight's performance. In choosing this particular musical it was hoped to expand the musical knowledge of the students and open up their musical tastes to the great music from the 1970s disco era.”

She added that the students took ownership of many aspects of the show from art to costuming “and have been great in setting me straight in how they want things to look and sound! In preparing for this musical we have found many hidden talents; students have learned the skill of being patient while building their confidence and friendships.”

She said this might be the only time some of the students tread the theatrical boards “and I hope that it is an enjoyable experience for them to look back on in years to come.”

She thanked the school staff, the Parents' Association, the Board of Management and the local community who had helped to build the show.

Producer Grainne Meagher said it was a pleasure working with the students and they had thrown themselves wholeheartedly into every aspect of the production, “even choreographing some of their dances themselves and teaching and supporting each other along the way.”

Kenneth Crann, Principal, pointed out that the team effort evidenced since auditions began back in September “is the embodiment of what our school stands for, the spirit of togetherness, commitment, vision and success.”

Clodagh Murphy, Assistant Secretary of the Student Council, pointed out that the TY musical is a brilliant opportunity for students to showcase their wonderful singing, dancing and acting skills, discover an unknown talent and boost their confidence. "There has been a great atmosphere around the school the past few weeks as we excitedly awaited this fantastic performance from our TYs.”

Disco Inferno is a jukebox musical and was written by Jai Sepple. It was first performed in 1999. It's set in 1976 in London's East End and is loosely based on Faust. Working late in a London nightclub called Disco Inferno, Jack meets Lady Marmalade, a femme fatale and the Devil's right-hand lady. Dreaming of becoming successful, he makes a Faustian pact with her, trading his soul so he can achieve his dreams.

After making the pact Jack's dreams begin to come true. He becomes a very famous pop star. He now has fame and fortune and women are mad about him. However, he's in danger of losing the love of his life, his devoted girlfriend Jane, as a result. He realises that making the pact was a great mistake, because he's achieved his dreams but they are hollow, and now it looks likely he will lose the priceless pearl that is true love.

Conor Heffernan played Jack and Mary Carroll played Jane. Both of them acted very well and the audience audibly reacted to the poignancy of their story. Conor and Mary had a lot of lines to learn and they never needed any assistance from the Prompter.

Shonagh Lenihan did a great job as Lady Marmalade. Her singing and her acting were both very polished. There was no holding back in her acting and she really embraced the role, which was the only way to do it.

Victor Kelly brought fantastic energy and enthusiasm to the part of Duke (The Devil). His singing voice was strong and impressive.

Harry Sweeney did a good job when acting the part of Heathcliffe, investing his role with the right level of threat. His role was about hurt, jealousy, bitterness and revenge.

Jack's friends Terry and Tom were acted and sung with considerable skill by Matthew Barnes and Eoin Moylan.

In truth the whole cast really impressed and the audience was very appreciative on the evening I attended. It was heartening to see the talent on show, and to see the confidence and the enthusiasm of these young people.