Standing ovations for Laois students who rock the ages with Portlaoise show

St Mary’s CBS brought the spirit of 1980s rock to life earlier this month with a spectacular production of Rock of Ages: Teen Edition, which played to sold-out audiences at the Dunamaise Arts Centre.

The high-energy musical, which ran from March 3-5, transported audiences back to the famous Sunset Strip, an era of big dreams, loud guitars, and unforgettable anthems. Packed with classic hits from legendary bands such as Journey, Bon Jovi, Pat Benatar and Twisted Sister, the show celebrates friendship, perseverance, and the power of music.

At the heart of the story staged by the Portlaoise boys secondary school are Drew, played by Ross Ring, and Sherrie, played by Anna Rose Scully, two young dreamers chasing fame and love in Los Angeles.

Their journey unfolds in the iconic Bourbon Room rock club, where they are joined by a colourful cast of characters including Dennis Dupree (Shane Carroll), Lonny Barnett (Rein Kyler Superiano), rock legend Stacee Jaxx (Liam Molyneaux), Justice Charlier (Ellie Touhy), Regina Koontz (Mariam Abdelhafeez), Hertz Klinemann (Leon Davis), Franz Klinemann (Blessings Mtawali) and the Mayor (Malik Elkhaeir).

The school production featured a large and talented ensemble of rockers, protesters and dancers who brought the Sunset Strip to life with electrifying choreography, powerful vocals and vibrant stage energy.

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Behind the scenes, the production team played a vital role in the show’s success. The musical was directed by Paul ‘Nippy’ Norton, whose passion for musical theatre and experience in directing helped guide the students to a confident and entertaining performance. Choreography by Megan Maher delivered dynamic dance routines, while Mairead Carroll, musical director, ensured the iconic rock soundtrack was performed with power and precision.  MORE BELOW PHOTO.

The production was a community effort with the team thanking to Principal Maura Murphy, Vice Principals Brian Thompson and Cyril Mulligan, Seán Smith Principal of Scoil Criost Ri and TY coordinator Paul Cahillane for their support.

Appreciation was also extended to teachers Sarah Williams and Aishling Hennessy, along with the many contributors who helped with set construction, props, sound, lighting and production support.

Through their talent and enthusiasm, the TY students of Scoil Chríost Rí, played a key role in the production.

There was also praise from the CBS for families, friends and wider school community who supported the show throughout rehearsals and performances.

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MORE BELOW PHOTO.

The school also thanked its generous sponsors, including Martin Reddin Ltd, Exam Revision, Shaw’s, SP Solutions, EMS, Mulhalls Supervalu, Martley’s Bus Providers, Tyro, Q3 Group, Downeys Auto Stop, Wriggle and Portlaoise Plaza, whose support helped make the production possible.

"With unforgettable songs, vibrant performances and an atmosphere that had audiences cheering and singing along, Rock of Ages: Teen Edition proved to be a major highlight in the school’s performing arts calendar. As the final number rang out and the cast took their bow to standing ovations, one thing was certain - St Mary’s CBS had truly brought the house down with a production that will be remembered long after the final curtain fell," concluded the school.