Big Top spectacular in Clonmel meets with widespread acclaim

If ever an event succeeded in bringing a whole school community together, then St Mary’s CBS Clonmel’s production ‘The Greatest Show’ certainly accomplished that.

Enjoyed by crowds of close to 3,000 patrons, over five performances, this production undoubtedly lived up to its billing.
The whole town of Clonmel has been waxing lyrical about the uplifting, spectacular and novel performance which afforded opportunities to every pupil, and indeed staff member, in St Mary’s CBS, to showcase their talents. And this they did to acclaim and applause from a most receptive and enthusiastic crowd.

POWERSTOWN PARK
As the setting for this undertaking, Fossett’s Big Top Circus Tent in Powerstown Park really lent itself to the production of this amazing event. A spectacle that will live long in the memory of each boy who performed in it and one that will leave an indelible mark on the minds of the audience members who witnessed it.

AMAZING SHOW
Loosely based on the theme of ‘The Greatest Showman’, this production saw PT Barnum, excellently portrayed by Cillian Flavin, and his enthusiastic and optimistic sidekick, Jaspar, played by Seán Savage, work in tandem. Their ambition: to make Barnum’s dream a reality, by producing and bringing the most spectacular and amazing show ever brought to the stage, or in this case to the circus ring.

The message, ‘If you dream it, you can achieve it’, echoed throughout the show as each class showcased their talents by performing a brief segment from their favourite musical or film.

Opening with the famous ‘Greatest Show’ number, the audience was treated to a visual spectacle, enhanced by brilliant singing and choreography. Sean Savage’s dulcet tone delivered ‘Tightrope’ and he had the audience in the palm of his hand while Cillian Flavin’s enthralling version of ‘A Million Dreams’ brought a tear to many eyes and had the crowd entranced.
Third class, with Donnacha Doran, Logan Murphy and Joey Flynn to the fore, brought us the orphans from London of the past.

The audience found them so endearing in their waistcoats and Paddy caps. They performed three numbers from Annie and Oliver. The segment started with ‘It’s a Hard Knock Life’ from Annie which was followed by popular renditions of ‘Where is Love’, a solo sweetly sung by Donnacha Doran, and ‘Consider Yourself’.
First Class entertained the audience with two brilliant, nautical-themed numbers: ‘Hawaiian Rollercoaster Ride’ and ‘Under the Sea’. They certainly had all the crowd on their feet with their eagerness and fervour as they performed in a truly magical, maritime setting, with the illuminated ‘jellyfish’ proving a real hit.

The First Act concluded with the magical world of Moana, brought to us by the boys of Fifth class. They tried to impress PT Barnum and the whole audience by restoring the heart of Tafiti. Visually spectacular and full of energy, and including beautiful solos from Evan Scully, Liam Slattery and James Delahunty, this segment of the show brought a stunning close to what was a brilliant first act.

MEMORABLE SOLOS
Fourth class opened the second Act with well-known songs such as ‘When I grow up’, ‘Naughty’ and ‘Revolting Children’ from the ever popular ‘Matilda’. Conor Savage, Bobby Baker, Josh Condon, Kacpar Pajak and teacher Jilly Powell delivered memorable solos. The performance also involved four brave teachers dancing on desks and being ever so naughty. This proved to be a real crowd pleaser and set the tone for what was to follow.
Second class performed three songs from the film Sing: ‘I’m still standing’, ‘Shake it off’ and ‘Sky full of Stars’. Some very effective costumes and groovy dance moves really captivated the audience. The percussion section of the final song, ‘Sky full of Stars’, which also included some older boys using hurleys to accentuate the beat, was absolutely spectacular. The audience created a fitting setting as they lit the upper reaches of the tent with their mobile phone torches.

The Sixth-class interpretation of ‘The School of Rock’ by Andrew Lloyd Webber was the final class performance. It centred on the teacher, Davy Williams, who, once he discovers that all the boys are naturally gifted musicians, moulds them into a rock group, to win a nearby Battle of the Bands competition. Hits from the musical were blasted out, as air guitars and actual guitars were played with gusto.

FEVER PITCH
The final ‘Greatest Showman’ sequence started with the whole school staff performing dance moves for the hit song ‘The Greatest Show’. The entire school, staff and students, then encircled the performers at the centre of the circus ring and were joined by the audience as they all sang ‘Come Alive’. The atmosphere was at fever pitch and the mood in the tent was nothing short of electrifying.
With production by Principal Eóin Morrissey, Musical direction from Jilly Powell and horeography by Aoife O’Keeffe and Saoirse Scully, it was mind-boggling to comprehend that this show was being performed by an all-boys’ primary school, ranging in age from six to twelve years.

STANDING OVATIONS
Standing ovations at the end of every performance and deafening applause reverberating around the Big Top left the boys in no doubt that they had delivered an extraordinary performance.
It was a unique event that has never been witnessed in the area before and one which will probably never be replicated again. It has certainly put St. Mary’s CBS on the map in the Clonmel area and further afield. The whole school community can be so proud of this outstanding achievement which reflects so well on the inclusive and happy culture of the school.