Longford performers pulling out the stops for 'One Night Only'

Next week St Mel’s Musical Society host a fundraising extravaganza “One Night Only”, an all singing, all dancing night of entertainment.
Featuring pre-senior and senior students of Evolution Stage School and members of St Mel’s Musical Society it features a mix of music, song and dance including pop, musical theatre, and tap dancing.

The ties between Evolution and St Mel’s Musical Society are strengthened by the young people who have progressed through the stage school to feature in this year's production “Footloose”.

Evolution Stage School opened in Longford in 2009, Roscommon 2012 and Carrick On Shannon in 2017, progressing to become one of the top performing arts schools in Ireland. Tracey Carty and Paul Hennessy are performance professionals with huge experience, both onstage and in teaching.

Paul says Evolution students are making an impact on the stage: “In the past year three of our senior girls have gone on to the UK to study musical theatre, acting and performing arts. It is great to see students who have progressed right through the ranks to go on and follow their dream as a professional performer,” he told.

Paul and Tracey nurture the talents of their charges: “We present what we have learned from working in professional shows over the years to our students. Further opportunities are now there for them, though many have to go overseas to avail of those chances. There are not a lot of opportunities for professional work in musical theatre in Ireland.”
Paul says students get a great grounding in the school: “It brings a lot into a young person's life. It develops social skills and confidence. We have spoken to parents and teachers of our students who remark on how the grounding we give them can transform some young people from shy to being totally outgoing. It gives the pupils confidence and the realisations of the talent they have within themselves.”

It's clear to see Paul has a vocation for what he does: “During their time with us we see so many young people blossom. It's amazing to watch, I love it,” he says.

The progress of the Stage School has been rapid: “Between the three schools we have over 500 students. It's amazing. We started off with 70 kids in 2009. The oldest at that time was 12, we now have students aged 22 still attending our classes. It is great. Some of the girls go to college and come back to us every week. A real family atmosphere has developed over the years.”

Paul says linking up for the “One Night Only” show made sense: “It's only now that our students are coming of age to join St Mel's. You have to be 16 plus to participate in many shows. This is one of the first years that our students are taking part in the shows. It is great, it benefits us and it benefits them.”

The St Mel’s Musical Society “One Night Only” featuring members of the Evolution Stage school takes place on Saturday, March 4 in the Longford Arms Hotel. Tickets are €15 and are available at www.gr8events.ie