The much-anticipated production of 'The Music Man' by Fermoy Musical Society, takes centre stage in the Palace Theatre, Fermoy where it opens on this Saturday night. The production runs until Saturday, November 8 in what is the Society's 90th anniversary year. Tickets are sure to be at a premium, so if you haven't booked yours already, you would need to call 025-32042 without dely.

History

It was all of 90 years ago in 1914 that Fermoy Choral Society came into being. A few eager people with musical inclinations discussed the proposal to form a society and stage a musical show. They arrived at a favourable conclusion and thus the society was founded. Among those prominent in the founding of the society were Richard O’Doherty, Jim Spillane, Martin Tracey, Mary Cosgrave, Madge Daly and Mary Kate Ahern.

Much of the society’s infancy was spent in the courthouse where all rehearsals for ‘Trial by Jury’ were held. A fitting venue in which to absorb the niceties of judicial procedure. The success of this effort was immediate and many were unable to get admission during the three nights of performance.

Over the years, the Society has performed such greats as 'HMS Pinafore' (1925), 'The Pirates of Penance' (1927), 'The Mikado' (1935), 'The Yeoman of the Guard' (1937), 'Belle of New York' (1945), 'The Student Prince' (1949), 'Rosemarie' (1950), 'Oklahoma' (1957), 'Salad Days' (1963), 'White Horse Inn' (1966) 'Hello Dolly' (1970), 'Waltzes from Vienna' (1976), 'Showboat' (1984), 'The Merry Widow' (1988), 'Carousel' (1995), 'The Sound of Music' (1998), 'Buskin' (2003), 'Thoroughly Modern Millie' (2008) and 'Crazy For You' (2013) to name but a few.

PART OF FERMOY FAMILIES

President Liam Fenton points out that the Society is, and has been, part of so many families in Fermoy and surrounding areas down through the years.

"Many of the current members are descendants of previous generations who tread the boards with us in years gone by. The Society has, on occasion, had three generations of the one family of stage together."

The late Eddie Carroll was musical society director for 50 years from 1937 to 1987. "He was one of those people whose 100 per cent dedication to the society was evident to everyone," Liam said.

"In our 75^th year a local gentleman by the name of Michael Barry (RIP) wrote a book about the society’s history called On Wings of Song and it contained details and photographs of every production during this time period. It makes a very interesting read and was a great success when published in 1999. In more recent years we have recorded each new show on video or DVD which helps to preserve the magic of each production.

"This year we are celebrating out 90^th anniversary and to mark this amazing occasion our first event was taking part in the St Patrick’s Day parade, winning the overall prize. This was followed by a musical memories exhibition which was held at Fermoy library from May 10-21 which drew past and present members, along with their families, back to the town."

ON NATIONAL T.V.

"The Society featured on RTE’s Nationwide broadcast. This was recorded on September 15 and gave great coverage of the town, the Youth Centre and Theatre. The 90^th anniversary celebration dinner was held on September 20, followed by music and entertainment with many people taking a trip down memory lane with old photographs, programmes and editorial clips from the past."

Concluding, Liam said a lot of hard work went on this year to help make the 90^th anniversary a success.

"I would like to thank the committee and everyone (too many to name) who helped me during the year to make it such a memorable one. I hope everyone enjoys this year’s production of ‘The Music Man’."

Creative Team

This year's show is directed by Killian Collins, musical direction is by Deirdre Long and choreography is in the capable hands of Stephen Cullinane-O’Regan. Set design is by Oliver McCarthy with Kieran Prendergast in charge of sound and lighting.

Main Cast

The cast is headed up by Ian McGuirk, Carol-Anne Ryan, Brendan Dunlea and Valerie O’Leary who are ably assisted by Deirdre Bashford, Eoin McSweeney, Michael Murphy, Donal Finn, Kevin Lynch, Keith Greene, Patrick Kirwan, Cian Daly, Patrick D’Alton and Laura Scannell.

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