KILDARE: Review of A Night of Moments by The Summerhill Players

The Summerhill Players are currently preparing for their next production titled A Night of Moments.

During this Night of Moments, the audience will experience five plays ranging from a short fifteen minutes to a longer forty-five-minute play.

With twelve different actors performing in the five plays, there is a variety of genres and an opportunity for all to enjoy.

The production is being shown in the Terry Martin Theatre, with a wine and cheese reception beforehand in the Summerhill Community Centre.

BLIND DATE

Starting the night off strong is a short, one act play Blind Date by Michael Anna Fambro.

A tense Kerrigan agrees when Layla asks him to go on a blind date in Central Park.

You would think this is normal enough, however, they must go on a date, actually, blindfolded.

The duo have to put their trust into their other senses to really get to know their potential love interest.

Set on simply a bench, the two will have to overcome any previous significant life events to really dive deep and make a connection.

In this modern day, so much opinion is solely based on someone’s appearance. Shouldn’t we get to know the person underneath before solely judging them on their appearance?

In this play, Kerrigan is played by the experienced Harry Ardiff and Layla is played by newcomer to Summerhill Players, Lorraine Mulhaire.

I am especially looking forward to this play and I thoroughly believe that it will be a great start to what promises a first-class night.

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THE CHIP VAN PLAYS DIXIE

The second play is “The Chip Van Plays Dixie” by Robert Iles.

It is a one act play, with Gary being played by Brian Slevin and Babs being portrayed by Rebecca Coyne. Brian is a familiar face with the Summerhill Players and Rebecca is a new member.

The play is set just outside the gates of a cemetery, on a bench.

Babs lost her husband suddenly, two years ago, however, she is only coming to mourn his death now, as she leaves for Australia.

On the other hand, Gary’s wife died of cancer, and he has been missing her since.

As the pairs conversation goes on, they realise they have much more in common than they initially thought.

With Babs having earlier meetings with Gary’s now deceased father, they bond over their shared thoughts.

The Chip Van Plays Dixie is a wholesome comedy that will have you feeling all your emotions, over simply, two people who share a love for chips.

FEEDING THE DUCKS

Feeding the Ducks by Michael Park is a twenty-five-minute, one act play.

It is set in the afternoon of a typical day, and successful businesswoman Clare is taking her lunchbreak in the park.

This is where she normally meets Frank, her ongoing love affair. However, this day is different.

She has given him the ultimatum of picking her and leaving his wife or their affair being completely over.

When she arrives at the park, however, Frank is not there. Instead, there is a man sitting on a bench, feeding ducks.

Reluctantly, the pair start up conversation. Billy is someone who Clare quickly dismisses. She comes to the conclusion that he is a 'spoilt mum’s boy' who is simply living off his parents.

However, Billy is much more than what meets the eye.

During their conversation, Frank has still not shown up to the park, so Clare decides to end the relationship with Frank then and there.

As the play unfolds, the relationship between Billy and Clare takes a dramatic turn.

Billy is being played by Lynden Heffernan and Clare is being played by Niamh Clavin. Both are new members to the Summerhill Players and Niamh is a debutant actress.

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BLIND DATE

The fourth play is Blind Date by Tanis Galik.

In this short, one act play, a woman and a man are getting ready for a blind date. Alice Adler and Stanley Kramer, who are both divorced, go through all of the different emotions in preparing for a blind date.

Should they make up stories about their past to perhaps make a future? Should they dress differently? Act differently? ……. Lie?

Stanley Kramer is being played by Eugenio Batzella and Alice Adler is portrayed by Karen Burke, who have both been with the Summerhill Players for years and put on many brilliant shows.

This comedy should have you giggling as the interchange between the two characters develops throughout the play.

MORNING COFFEE

Morning Coffee by Dermot Bolger is the final play being shown during this Night of Moments.

It is a 4-person, 45 minute play. Joe Larkin and Carmel Gannon play the married couple of John and Julia. While experienced Neil Fagan takes on the role of the priest.

The play is about John, a man who has moved on from the past and does not want to revisit it, or even imagine it. But also, about Father Coyne who feels wrong for what he did and wants to correct his mistakes.

The play is also lightened up though, by the conversations between Julia and Karolina. Should you move on and forgive…. Or are some things unforgivable?

The plays are being joint directed by brothers Barney and Féchin O’Reilly. With high hopes, these plays shouldn’t disappoint. Please be encouraged to buy your tickets now as these plays will sell out.

These plays are being shown from the 21st to the 24th and then again for one last night on April 29.

The audience can also enjoy a cheese and wine reception before the play generously sponsored by WD Electrical.

The plays have been a pleasure to review and best of luck to the Summerhill Players.