Stunning musical from Ballinrobe society

Once again the Ballinrobe Musical Society produced an outstanding show with their production of ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’, which was staged in Ballinrobe Community School from Sunday, February 16, to Saturday, February 22.

The Ballinrobe Community school gymnasium was transformed into a theatre and the excellently constructed stage, set, and lighting, helped the audience feel that they were well and truly in 15th-century Paris.

The music and singing were simply incredible, with the big choruses adding something extra to the show. The amazing orchestra which included the drums and percussion of Terry Cooke were also key elements of what was a truly memorable production.

The final show was performed to another sell-out crowd and the cast and members of the Ballinrobe Musical Society were in a buoyant mood afterwards.

Edward Scott played the role of the arrogant but charming Phoebus de Martin, the new captain of the cathedral guard and he enjoyed the versatility.

“I don’t normally get to play a character as versatile, so it is nice to have that bit of contrast.

"When it comes to musicals sometimes people in the audience are bouncing out the door singing and happy, but this is a very different type of musical and I think it adds to the authenticity of the actual musical itself. I think it would be an awful injustice if it was a happy ending. I think it is one of those shows where to do it justice there has to be a sad ending."

Angela Staunton’s role in the musical was Clopin Trouillefou, Queen of the Gypsies.

“Clopin was originally a man’s role and I am so honoured to get the opportunity to play this role. Clopin comes across as a strange character, but really deep down in the heart of it, her main focus is family and Clopin is very protective of her group."

She described the energy in the show as "unbelievable".

"We have such a superb chorus, orchestra, and all of the production team have put such an amount of effort into this show."

Ballinasloe native Sarah Corcoran produced an excellent performance as ‘Esmeralda’ and said the show was a real rollercoaster.

“The audience have made a huge difference all week as it has been such a long run, and we can feel the energy on stage and it gives us all such a boost."

The sadness was evident in the audience at the end of the show and Sarah explained that perhaps some people weren’t expecting such an emotional ending.

“There is a dark side to the musical; however, there is also some comedy as well. Some people are emotional when they are leaving the building, but that could also be down to the music as well, as the chorus and orchestra have been amazing."

Ballinrobe Musical Society chairman Richard Crumlish played the role of Father Dupin and the Donegal native was delighted with the response that this year’s production has received.

“We have sold out five of the seven nights, and the other two nights were close to full capacity.

“People have said that it has been the best show in Ballinrobe in years and the choice of show has proven popular."

Keith Hanley’s portrayal of Quasimodo captivated those in attendance and the 20-year-old Galway native explained that it has been an enjoyable experience performing in Ballinrobe.

“There has been great fun and great energy throughout the week and the crowds have been impressive and overall it has been a positive experience.

“It was one of the most challenging roles that I have ever done, as physically you have to maintain the hunch throughout the show and it can be quite tiring, and singing can also be a little bit difficult when you are in that position. You also have to take into consideration that he was a sheltered character and is also half deaf and it was a challenging role. However, we have all really enjoyed this production.

“It is different to the Disney movie as the movie has a happy ending, and people might have been expecting a happy ending. However, our production is a bit different and whilst there is comedy, it is also balanced with the sadness and darkness, and that balance can make a great show as well."

For stage manager Kenneth McCarthy, it has been a busy but thoroughly enjoyable week.

“The whole town has been buzzing during this week and everyone is behind us. The cast, crew and everyone behind the scenes are really happy with how this week has panned out."

Once again the award-winning Ballinrobe Musical Society has produced another epic show and one which captivated audiences throughout the week.

After the last show, one audience member even compared the production to a show that you would see in one of the top theatre venues in Dublin or the West End in London.