Gallen CS presented its annual school musical in the school from Tuesday to Friday of last week. This year’s musical was “Sleeping Beauty” and audiences over the four nights were treated to wonderful performances full of the best of singing dancing and acting talent. The hard work and dedication put in by cast and crew paid off.Gallen CS musical is always a highlight for people in the local area and so it proved last week as ” Sleeping Beauty” sprinkled its magic. Audiences engaged and empathised with the age old struggle between good and evil as documented in the musical. We sympathised with Princess Aurora [ wonderfully played by Valene Greer] as she fell victim to Maleficent’s sorcery and treachery. We rejoiced with Aurora at the end as she found true love in the guise of Prince Philip.
Credit at the outset to the production team of Mrs Evelyn Breen Producer and Costume Designer[ Mrs Breen did an excellent job sourcing all the costumes], Mr Alan Recks Musical Director, Ms Sandra Julian Choreographer, Ms Josephine Mc Keogh for the excellent Set Painting , Mr Michael Mc Cartain ,Set Construction , assisted by Mr Doyle , Mr Lenihan and the TY team who built the excellent stage. Thanks to all those who helped in any way to make the show such a success .
Valene Greer , who played Belle in last years production of ” Beauty and the Beast” , drew on that experience to give an excellent and rich portrayal of Princess Aurora. Audiences recognised in Aurora , someone who deserved happiness and responded with appreciative admiration. Jarlath Stevenson gave a strong performance as Prince Philip the suitor of Princess Aurora. Celine Camon was excellent as the malevolent yet magnificent Malificent. Celine gave the role great depth , Malificent really put fear into audiences and crew alike and that is the best tribute this scribe can pay.
Ellie Mc Evoy [Merryweather], Reveina Devery[ Flora ] and Zoe Rooney [ Fauna] were excellent as the ” good ” fairies. The 3 girls played their roles with great understanding and as the lines of one of the songs went” they sprinkled their magic” on stage. Audiences recognised the duel between the 3 good fairies and the evil sorceress and this drama was excellently brought out on stage.John Corcoran played the role of King Stefan with great gravitas and Aoife Corbett played the role of Queen Stephanie [ Princess Aurora’s mother] to perfection. Dylan o Duffy was excellent in his role as Prince Hubert. Have we found a star of future school musicals in Amy Lynch who played the Young Prince Philip? An eclectic mix of Fumpfel , Blather , Stench , Pest , Guards , Goons , Owl , Monkey , Bee, Frog , Bird and the excellent Dragon all helped to document the wonderful array of costumes on show.
Well done the cast and crew of ” Sleeping Beauty” for a performance that will live long in the memory.
