In the run up to the Hallowe’en break Beech Hill College TY students were very busy indeed! From the 22nd-24th of October, the talented TY students staged 2 matinee shows and 3 evening shows of their musical “All Shook Up”, using 2 talented casts
This was the culmination of 8 weeks of rehearsals led by our wonderful teachers, Ms. Lynn Sullivan, Ms Joanne Brennan, Ms Tara McAuley, Ms Emily McMeel, Ms Leah Sleator, Ms . Marian Connolly and Ms Stephanie Makem. We are so grateful to our teachers who gave up so much time including after school and at weekends.
The TY’s in Beech Hill College were very lucky to be given access to The Garage Theatre for rehearsals. It was really wonderful to walk over the Greenway to the Monaghan Education Campus and have all of the excellent facilities of The Garage Theatre at our disposal. We got to experience live theatre like industry professionals!
The production of ‘All Shook Up’ was a challenge but it was very rewarding. Everyone played a very important role in bringing the show to the stage, from the students operating the lights and sound all the way to the students designing, making and painting the set, a lot of hard work, skills and time was required. Mr.Mc Stravóg, Ms Durkan and Ms Connolly ensured that our set was something that looked like it should be on Broadway.
We learned 9 dances in time for the show with the brilliant help of our choreographer Ms. Tara McAuley who remained patient and willing to help us perfect our dances no matter how long they took. Ms Mc Auley ensured that we ‘got out of our comfort zones’ got better at dancing and gained confidence.
As the first matinee was fast approaching, we poured our heart and souls into the rehearsals so that we would be ready for our invited guests who were primary school children from various local primary schools. The pupils loved the show and were dancing in their seats by the end of the matinee performances.
The nerves definitely kicked in for all the TYs before the evening performances as we knew that our families and friends were in the audience. We need not have worried, every audience thoroughly enjoyed the show as they cheered, laughed, clapped and sang along. Every night we received standing ovations. We knew that we had finally brought this show to life!
The Curtains opened and the music of “Jailhouse Rock” started playing. The nerves were high but each night, we turned our nerves into confidence and had a ball performing every single bit of the show. The TY’s Performance of “All Shook Up” will certainly be the highlight for many of our TY School Year. We would like to give a very special mention to our Year Head, Ms. Ciara Crowe, for always giving us every opportunity to participate in events and activities that make wonderful memories. Thank you.
By Ciarán Ruddy, Clodagh Murphy and Eoghain Croarkin BHC TY
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