Tipperary students put on a spectacular show with West Side Story

Congregations to all who were involved in bringing the magic of West Side Story to stage in the Ursuline’s Sr Ursula Memorial Hall.

The opening weekend performances on Saturday, Sunday, October 19 and 20 were spectacular and a real musical treat for audiences.

The classic Leonard Bernstein score, with delights such as the sublime Tonight and the edgy Latin Influenced America, brought to life the tragic love story of Tony and Maria, played by Molly Burgess and Grace Mahon respectively.

Sheena Wright stepped into the role of the sassy Anita with Isabelle O’Connor as her fiery but ultimately doomed lover

Bernardo. Cáit Browne was convincing in her tough portrayal of Jets leader, Riff. There was a host of other characters from the rival New York gangs, with plenty of great acting, singing and dancing from all principal parts.

CAPTION: Ursuline students Grace Mahon as Maria and Molly Burgess as Tony in this year's musical production West Side Story

Ms Erica Flanagan has certainly proved her directorial credentials in her second year at the helm of the Ursuline School Show taking on such a big production and making it a huge success with a cast of over 230 students.

The music and vocals was in the very gifted hands of Musical Director, Ms Joan Butler, helped by her colleagues in the Music Department, Ms Deborah Quinn and Ms Hannah Crowley.

West Side Story is a show renowned for its dancing as much as the music and storyline and between Rosalie Butler, Director Erica and Sixth Year leading actress Sheena Wright this year’s choreography was energetic, graceful and full of melodrama.

There are so many talented people who give their time generously every year to make the Ursuline School Show a reality, the Art teachers, Ms Delahunt, Ms Hackett and Ms Spillane, who paint the set. Ms Egan, who is a one woman props department.

The Home Economics Department of MsNash, Ms Gaynor and Ms Coffey who take charge of costumes.

Mr English, Mr McGlynn and Mr Heaney in the Technology Department who are involved in set design and construction, helped every year by Tommy Sweeney, Jack Gleeson and Antony Kirby.

Then there is all the members of staff who supervise back stage, help organise the raffle prizes and hampers and the teachers and students who volunteer for front of house duties.

Thanks also to the office staff Eileen, Bernie and Tarcelina who do the amazing administrative wonders needed to pull off a show like West Side Story.

The caretaking and cleaning staff, who make sure the school is looking it’s best for the visitors and manage traffic in the grounds during the night time performances.

A special mention to all the local businesses and parents who donated through sponsorship and raffle prizes, it helps somuch in enabling the school to run the show each year.

The School Show is such an important Ursuline tradition and the management team of Ms Gleeson, Mr Kirby and Ms Tuohy have continued to support this endeavour unequivocally.

It’s been a brilliant run of six performances andeveryone is now looking forward to a well-earned mid-term break.