Carrick Musical Society reports big demand for ‘Hello Dolly’

Tickets are selling like hot cakes for Carrick-on-Suir Musical Society’s production of “Hello Dolly!”, which opens at the Strand Theatre in ten days time.

This hit Broadway musical has not been staged in Carrick since 1982. Carrick Musical Society reports that most of the performances in the show’s eight night run are nearly booked up and it’s urging people planning to attend the production to book their tickes as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

The show’s hard working chorus, ranging in ages from 16 to 60, feature’s a lot of new faces. They and the principal cast members have been rehearsing vigorously for the last couple of weeks. Some rehearsed for five days in a row, only having a Saturday night off before a day of rehearsals on Sunday. But all the rehearsing is paying off and their performances of songs like “Put on Your Sunday Clothes” and “The Waiter’s Gallop” are top class.

As is the show’s signature song. ”Hello, Dolly!”. The men have outdone themselves rehearsing for this number.

This show has everything, with characters like Ernestina, played by Fiona Hennessy, bringing some hilarious one lines into play and the whining of Ermegarde (Cliodhna Nagle), all of which will have you smiling and laughing. There is the romantic singing and acting of Ray Nolan (Cornelius Hackl) and Marie Kelly (Irene O’Molloy), when they perform the beautiful numbers “It Only Takes a Moment” and “Ribbon Down My Back”.

Irene Malone is perfectly cast in the lead part of the witty, charming and manipulative Dolly Levi. She accurately captured the accent from the first rehearsal and she is a joy to watch performing, “Motherhood”, “Before the Parade Passes By” and “Hello, Dolly!”.

Hello Dolly! will be staged at the Strand Theatre from February 28 to March 7. To purchase tickets contat the Strand Theatre at (051) 645050. Group concessions are available.