BroadwayWorld.com Ireland Stories

BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT's Dale Page to Lead 35MM at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, 2-24 August

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 10:58:35 PST

Semi-Finalist of Britain's Got Talent 2013, DALE PAGE, who appeared in the brand new musical Chasing The Dream on the hit ITV primetime show, is heading to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2013.

Dale performed as part of the first ever musical on Britain's Got Talent and reached the penultimate stage of the competition.

Since being watched by over 9 million viewers in the semi-final of Britain's Got Talent, Dale has been cast in the European premiere of US smash 35MM. He will be making his Edinburgh Fringe Festival debut in this exciting new multimedia musical in which 'snap-shot stories' are told through song and accompanied by stunning images.

Dale has appeared in numerous National tours and films including Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. The cast will also feature KIRSTY MARIE AYERS, who recently appeared in the West End production of Seussical, ROSIE WARD, BENJAMIN POWELL and NIALL ROONEY.

35MM features music & lyrics by US composer RYAN SCOTT OLIVER and photography by MATTHEW MURPHY. It will be directed by London based director KATIE PESSKIN with musical director MICHAEL RILEY and co-produced by As Told By Productions and Greenwich Theatre, London.

35MM will play the Bedlam Theatre in Edinburgh, from 2-24 August (minus the 12th) at 18:00. The show is approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes, with tickets available at £9 full, £7 concessions (previews all tickets £7). To purchase tickets, call 0131 225 98 93, or visit www.edfringe.com.

Joni Harms to Record Live Concert CD with Sheerin Family Band, 7/2

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:08:43 PST

Joni Harms returns to Ireland to record her first live concert CD. After her visit here in January and performing with the The Sheerin Family, Joni has decided to record her long overdue live CD of all her greatest hits. Joni says. "I have been planning for years to record a live album and now is the right time, I have found a band that are just a pleasure to work with and finer musicians you will not find anywhere".

This event will take place on Tuesday 2 July in the Tuar Ard Theatre, Moate, Co. Westmeath at 8.30 p.m. with €15 admission.

Joni Harms is no stranger to success. She has been a winner of multiple Academy of Western Artists Awards including top honor for Entertainer of the Year in 2002. In 2003, Harms was named Female Vocalist of the Year and accepted the award for Song of the Year from the Western Music Association. Harms continues building audiences through appearances on the famed Grand Ole Opry and even an appearance at New York City's Carnegie Hall. "Growing up, I learned to sing and write songs by listening to Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard and George Strait," says Harms. "I remember seeing Emmylou Harris, and, after playing a while with the famous Hot Band, she returned to the stage with just her black Gibson guitar and proved that you don't need all the electronic equipment to entertain your audience. "Harms lives on a ranch in Oregon with her family that was homesteaded by her great, great grandfather in 1872, this has been an inspiration for many of her songs. Joni says, "I always want the songs I sing to be a good representation of who I am.

The Sheerin Family band consists of 7 family members out of 11. Their unique sound and crisp harmonies will leave the hairs standing on the back of your neck.

Booking Advisable: phone - 090 6482042, e-mail - info@tuarard.ie

First Lady Michelle Obama Speeks to Youths in Dublin RIVERDANCE

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:35:27 PST

The following are remarks made by the First Lady MIchelle Obama at an Irish Youth performance of RIVERDANCE at the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin, Ireland:

5:19 P.M. IST

MRS. OBAMA: My goodness! (Applause.) That's wonderful! You did it! Oh, my goodness. (Applause.) Thank you all so much. It is good to be home. Yes, indeed. You all are amazing -- and you're pretty good-looking, too. (Laughter.)

I want to start by thanking Mrs. Kennedy -- well, that's -- (laughter) -- that's a whole different story, but -- Mrs. Kenny, Fionnuala, who has been such a wonderful friend. And for all the wonderful things she said about me, it is double. This woman is gracious and funny and warm and kind, and has just been truly open-armed to me. And it has meant so much to have her friendship and her hospitality, so I want us to give Mrs. Kenny a wonderful round of applause. (Applause.) She's one of the reasons why I came back as well.

I also want to thank Moya, as well as her husband John for welcoming us all to this very special performance of Riverdance. Let's give her a round of applause. (Applause.)

And of course, I have to recognize Mrs. Sabina Higgins, who I finally got the opportunity to meet in the flesh. And I am so grateful that you are here and for all that you have done for this country. Let's give her a round of applause. (Applause.)

And just a few other people that are here that I have to say hello to: America's Chargé d'Affaires here in Dublin, John Hennessey-Niland. Yes. You guys are good. Give everyone a hand. (Applause.) Two very special people to us -- our former Ambassador Dan Rooney, and his wonderful wife, Patricia -- they are here today, fortunately. (Applause.) And the Gaeltacht Jimmy Deenihan is here, and we want to say hello and thank you -- (applause) -- as well as Denis and Caroline Desmond and everyone here at the Gaiety Theatre for hosting us here in this historic and beautiful space. It's kind of nice. (Applause.)

But most of all, I want to thank all you for being here. You know, kids, you guys, young people -- you guys have my heart. And I said this in Belfast earlier -- it's so true. (Laughter.) Look, my girls know -- I can embarrass them and love them to death -- but young people, you guys move me in ways that you don't even imagine. So it was so important for us that while we were here we got to do something with the young people here in Dublin. So thank you for such a warm welcome. You have made my family feel right at home in Ireland, and you guys are pretty awesome.

AUDIENCE MEMBER: We love you, too! (Laughter and applause.)

MRS. OBAMA: Now, as Mrs. Kenny mentioned, I first experienced that warm feeling about two years ago, when my husband -- you know the guy -- President Obama and I visited this city as well as the lovely village of Moneygall, where my husband's ancestors come from -- and, again, yay to our students who are here; I got to see them backstage.

But everywhere we went we were welcomed with huge smiles and open arms -- and lots of rain, which we handled. (Laughter.) And when we left, we knew that our girls had to experience all of the warmth and beauty of this place for themselves. And that's why -- one of the reasons why we're here today.

Earlier today, as you heard, Malia and Sasha and I visited the Long Room at Trinity College. As you know -- I don't know if many of you have been there -- it's like Hogwarts, as Sasha pointed out. (Laughter.) It's a huge room with shelf after shelf full of books; a beautiful place, and I hope that all of you aspire to go there, if not study there, but just to go and experience what it's like to be surrounded by so much history and so much power. And the girls had a chance to explore those shelves and trace their Irish lineage, which was a very powerful thing to find out that these girls that were born on the South Side of Chicago can trace their roots back here to Ireland, way back to the 1600s. That was very powerful for me, as their mother, and hopefully it will be something that they cherish for the rest of their lives.

And now, we couldn't be more thrilled to see a live performance of Riverdance. We have never seen Riverdance live. This is our first time. How many people here -- their first time seeing it live? So very cool, right? Very cool.

This show has been performed more than 10,000 times. It's been seen by more than 23 million people in 45 countries on six different continents. And with all the dancing and singing and energy, it is such a perfect representation of Ireland itself, so it's no wonder that it has become such a worldwide phenomenon.

And there's a lesson that I hope that all of our young people here today will take away, and that is, here in Ireland, you all are surrounded by such a beautiful country -- and we're going to see some more of that tomorrow. You are supported by such wonderful families, and such strong communities and traditions. Those things -- just understand -- don't ever take those things for granted, because all of that gives you that strong foundation that you are going to need; a foundation that's going to allow you to become anything that you want to be -- because it really starts with family.

I am here because I came from a strong foundation, all the way in Chicago. And it has lifted me up -- my family, my community -- to be able to stand here today as First Lady of the United States. And you all can do the same thing -- whether that's here in Ireland or anywhere in the world, because you come from such an important and strong community.

So today, what I want you to do when the curtains come up after the performance, I hope that you will not only listen -- have listened to the songs and reveled in the dancing, but I also hope that you begin to allow your imaginations to run free. And what I mean by that is I want you all to think really big about who you want to be. I want your imaginations to soar high. Because right now, that's the only thing that stops you from doing whatever you want to be. It's the limit of your thinking.

So I want you to dream big. I hope you will dream about who you might become and where you might go. Because I know -- and this is the thing I tell my girls every day, they're so sick of it -- that if you work hard enough -- and it's all about hard work -- if you believe in yourself -- it is so true -- but more importantly, if you understand that the most important thing for you to do is to be able to pick yourself up when you fall -- because most of life is falling. And the real challenge is, how do you get back up? That's what you can do. And if you keep doing that, then you can make yourselves into anything you choose -- anything. And together, you can make your country stronger and you can make the world better for all of us.

So that's what I want you to keep in mind. I want you to take that away with you this summer. I want you to look at me and Barack and all these wonderful leaders and understand that we are you. We are just like you -- just kids who worked a little hard and dreamt pretty big, and got to do some wonderful things.

And when you get to that special place, I want you to understand it is your duty and your responsibility to give back to the community that made you who you are. So you never forget home, right? You never forget home. And what my girls are learning is that every day, their home gets bigger and bigger and bigger. It is no longer just the South Side of Chicago or Washington D.C., but it is Moneygall, it is Dublin -- it is the world. And that is true for you.

So keep working hard. Finish strong. I know you're not done with school -- two more weeks for many of you. Finish strong, and do great things. I can't wait to see who you all become.

Thank you. God bless. Let's see a great show. (Applause.)

Roscommon Arts Centre Launches STAGECRAFT Programs

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 10:37:14 PST

Roscommon Arts Centre has just announced two wonderful arts-based summer camps which are sure to keep them busy during the summer holidays.

Majella Flanagan, director of Centre Stage School, returns with her popular Stagecraft Summer School from Monday 8th - Friday 12th July. Running across five days this camp takes place from 10am - 3pm daily and covers vocal coaching, singing both solo and choral, improvisation, mime, acting technique and character building. Material used will be both challenging and suitable to students age.Participants will be offered the opportunity to share a taste of what they learned with their family/friends at the end of the week. Course Fee: €80 and family discount are available. Booking through Roscommon Arts Centre on 090 6625824

STARCAMP is an award winning Performing Arts network that has been running nationwide summer camps since 2007 and this year they come to Roscommon Arts Centre from Tuesday 6th - Saturday 10th August, 10am - 3pm daily. It has a proven track record and an outstanding reputation amongst performing professionals, teachers, parents and children alike. STARCAMP has an open door policy and is aimed at ALL boys and girls of ALL levels. It offers endless opportunities in the performing arena while endeavouring to transform your children into the most confident, self-assured, conscientious and caring children that they can be in preparation for life.

Hip-hop, musical theatre, movie scenes, improvisation, audition technique, vocal training, modern dance, games, TV opportunities, jazz, new choreography, chart hits, games, teamwork, public performances, optional exams, fun, competitions and more!

The STARCAMP Ethos: Our main aim is to instill confidence and self-esteem in each boy and girl through praise, recognition and training. We create a wondrous, nurturing, fun environment where participation and happiness are key. We enhance life skills and personalities through creative energies that will last a lifetime.
Our prices are very reasonable at only €90 per child or sibling rates at €150 for two or €200 for three. We will be running in the Roscommon Arts Centre from 6th - 10th August. The hours are 10am - 3 pm. To book please visit our website to find our more on www.starcamp.ie

The New Theatre Opens A PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST AS A YOUNG MAN Today

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 00:30:00 PST

In the name Stephen Dedalus, he adopted in this, his early masterpiece, Joyce signalled his need to escape the nets he claimed Ireland would trap him in - religion and nationality. He would seek to fly "above these nets". Unique among his contemporaries he laid claim for the artist's freedom from such temporal concerns to "forge the uncreated conscience of his race". Thus began his life long task of sketching the universal human condition he had observed around him in Dublin in the real lives of ordinary people.

In the course of A PORTRAIT which covered the first decades of his life, we see him creating his own individual aesthetic, as opposed to the dictates of the Church, and he leaves Ireland to live mostly in poverty, but at liberty to seek nourishment from other cultures. The novel eventually published in 1916, contains some of the most dramatic scenes in modern literature.

Wednesday, 12th June @ 7.30pm

Previews Mon 10th, Tues 11th

Tickets €15 / 12 (conc) / 10+ (groups)

BOX OFFICE: 01-6703361 / info@thenewtheatre.com

For more info, visit www.thenewtheatre.com

STALEMATE Begins Tonight at Roscommon Arts Centre

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 00:30:00 PST

Stalemate by Seamus O'Rourke, A Backstage Theatre Canal Studio Production, will play the Roscommon Arts Centre tonight 12th & Thursday 13th June.

Seamus O'Rourke has been causing a stir across the theatre world of late with hits like Victor's Dung, Ride On, The Sand Park and For Club and County under his belt. He's now back with yet another sure fire hit on his hands and the good news is he is treading the boards himself in his brand new comedy "Stalemate" at Roscommon Arts Centre on Wednesday 12th & Thursday 13th June 8pm.

Seamus plays Paddy English the barman being held at gunpoint in a basement by rookie criminals Mary Donlon (Fiona Maria Fitzpatrick) and Marcus Sheridan (Jamie McClean). It's four in the morning and the pub is full of money. Sure what could go wrong for these rookies? Surely John Francis Milton (Tommy Sharkey) stopping by to collect slops for his greyhound 'Biscuit' won't alter their plans. But then there's the mention of those famous words no robber wants to hear...'Do I know you from somewhere?'

'STALEMATE' has nothing to do with politics or worldly matters but it's funny...if you think having no money is funny and if you think getting shot is funny and if you think being done out of first place at the 2002 Ulster Scór na nÓg solo singing competition is funny! So if you're looking for a night full of laughter then look no further.

Stalemate is the fifth in-house Backstage Theatre Canal Studio production and marks O'Rouke's second turn as director. It stars Jamie McClean (aka Flynn from the McDonalds ads) alongside Fiona Maria Fitzparick from Belturbet who starred alongside Seamus in "The Pitch" and Tommy Sharkey from Cavan town who fans of O'Rourkes will recognise from "Victor's Dung" and "For Club and County."

Coming to Roscommon Arts Centre on Wednesday 12th & Thursday 13th June and is booking up fast so early booking is advised on 090 6625824 /www.roscommonartscentre.ie. Please note the show contains strong language.

Tuar Ard Arts Centre Stages THE SIX MARYS Tonight

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 00:30:00 PST

THE SIX MARYS, written and presented by Jean Farrell, will play the Tuar Ard Arts Centre, Moate tonight 11th June 8.30pm for one night only.

This one-woman-show is a comical yet poignant look at life, from childhood in the1950s, to the present day. It draws very much on the influence of religion as taught by the nuns--preparing young Irish Catholic schoolgirls to imitate the virtues of the Virgin Mary. They were to be meek, humble and pure. How well did this help them cope with the huge social changes of the following decades? Were the fanciful dreams of youth fulfilled?

This journey of self-discovery is interspersed with well-known hit songs from the various eras, sung by Luan Tunes.

The six Marys are fun-loving girlfriends, who grow into practical, everyday housewives. The light-hearted atmosphere helps us concentrate on their journeys through the decades-- delivering all kinds of sharp and comical observations. Jean has plenty to say about the teenage pursuit of Mr Wonderful-followed by the reality of married life, teenage children and growing waistlines.

And, when our children grow up eventually and leave home, what lies ahead then-a big void?---or peace at last?

Tickets €10.

Roscommon Arts Centre to Present Seamus O'Rourke's STALEMATE, 6/12-13

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 13:42:47 PST

Leitrim playwright, actor and director Seamus O'Rourke returns to Roscommon Arts Centre next Wednesday 12th & Thursday 13th June with his new play 'Stalemate'. Tickets €18/€16 are available through Roscommon Arts Centre's box office 090 6625824 or online at www.roscommonartscentre.ie

Stalemate is the fifth in-house Backstage Theatre Canal Studio production and marks O'Rouke's second turn as director. It stars Jamie McClean (aka Flynn from the McDonalds ads) along side Fiona Maria Fitzparick from Belturbet who starred alongside Seamus in "The Pitch" and Tommy Sharkey from Cavan town who fans of O'Rourkes will recognise from "Victor's Dung" and "For Club and County."

Seamus is a writer, actor and director linked mainly with the Corn Mill Theatre Group, Carrigallen, Co. Leitrim. He was heavily involved in the amateur drama scene for more than twenty years, featuring in the All Ireland Drama finals in Athlone on fifteen occasions. In the finals, he has won Best Director, 2005, Best Actor, 2010, Best Supporting Actor, 2011 as well as being nominated for direction and acting on eight other occasions.

Seamus made his professional debut, both as a writer and an actor with 'Livin' Dred Theatre Company's production of Ride On directed by Padraic McIntyre. He has since toured extensively with The Pitch by Shane Connaughton and his own Victor's Dung and has just finished a tour of his own play, The Sand Park.

This is his eleventh play to make it to the stage. Dig, Down, The Trappe Family, Ride On!, Wagging Finger, Victor's Dung, Victor's Dung (The Second Cut), The Halfway House Hotel, For Club and County and The Sand Park.

THE SIX MARYS and STALEMATE Set for Roscommon Arts Centre, June 2013

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 00:30:00 PST

The Six Marys written and performed by Athlone native Jean Farrell is a comical yet poignant look at life, from childhood in the 1950s, to the present day. With proceeds in aid of Gaelscoil de hIde Roscommon, this play will be performed at Roscommon Arts Centre for two nights only tonight, the 6th and Friday 7th June 8pm. Tickets are just €10 and can be purchased through Roscommon Arts Centre's box office on 090 6625824 or online at www.roscommonartscentre.ie.

The Six Marys draws very much on the influence of religion as taught by the nuns--preparing young Irish Catholic schoolgirls to imitate the virtues of the Virgin Mary. They were to be meek, humble and pure. How well did this help them cope with the huge social changes of the following decades? Were the fanciful dreams of youth fulfilled? This journey of self-discovery is interspersed with well-known hit pop songs sung by acapella group Luan Tunes from the various eras.

And, when our children grow up eventually and leave home, what lies ahead then-a big void?---or peace at last? Booking and more information through Roscommon Arts Centre 090 6625824.

Stalemate by Seamus O'Rourke, A Backstage Theatre Canal Studio Production, will play the Roscommon Arts Centre Wednesday 12th & Thursday 13th June.

Colm Wilkinson Kicks Off BRING HIM HOME UK & Ireland Tour Today

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 00:30:00 PST

One of Broadway's most distinctive voices, Ireland's Colm Wilkinson is best known as the original Jean Valjean and the Phantom, roles he created and embodied in London, Toronto and New York productions of LES MISERABLES and Phantom of the Opera. He played Jean Valjean in the 10th Anniversary Concert at the Royal Albert Hall (1995) and has gained many new fans since his guest appearances on both 25th Anniversary Concerts of Les Misérable at the O2 London (2010) and Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall (2011).

Colm plays the Bishop of Digne in the new LES MISERABLES movie alongside Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway and Russell Crowe.

"I was delighted to be asked to play the role of the Bishop of Digne in the movie version of the greatest musical ever written... Twenty eight years ago as the original Jean Valjean I started an extraordinary journey with the Bishop of Digne setting me on the long road of reincarnation and salvation. It seems to me as I now take on the role of the Bishop that the journey has endedand I have come full circle." - Colm Wilkinson

Colm Wilkinson in Concert is an evening of music and stories. Theatre favorites such as 'Music of the Night', 'Some Enchanted Evening' and his signature song 'Bring Him Home' anchor the show which also includes definitive Irish classics such as 'Danny Boy' and 'Whiskey in the Jar'. Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah' and The Animals 'House of the Rising Sun' add another dimension to a program rich in musical theatre and showcasing the complete depth, range and variety of Wilkinson's talent.

For more information, visit www.colmwilkinson.com.

'Bring Him Home' Tour Dates:

Cork - Opera House - June Thu 6 & Fri 7
www.corkoperahouse.ie/events/colm-wilkinson-concert

Dublin - Bord Gáis Energy Theatre - Jun Mon 10 & 17
www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie/colm-wilkinson-in-concert.html

Limerick - University Concert Hall - June Thu 13 & Fri 14*
www.uch.ie/events/061413_colm_wilkinson.html

Edinburgh - Playhouse - June Thu 20**
http://www.atgtickets.com/Bring-Him-Home-Colm-Wilkinson-in-Concert-Tickets/243/5669/ (ON SALE FEB 26)

London - Lyceum Theatre - June Mon 24
www.atgtickets.com/shows/colm-wilkinson-in-concert/lyceum-theatre/

Cardiff - St. David's Hall - June Sat 29**
www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk/English/Colm-Wilkinson-Bring-Him-Home-Tour-29/6/13/

Ireland shows 8pm - tickets from €36.50/€35*

UK shows 7.30pm - tickets from £29/£27.50**

Booking fees & other charges may apply