Get ready to be starstruck at Gortnor Abbey musical
Students from Gortnor Abbey Secondary School in Crossmolina who will stage the musical 'Starstruck' later this week.
On Thursday and Friday next, the Transition Year students at Gortnor Abbey Secondary School will present , a musical written by the students with the assistance of their teachers.
Gortnor Abbey has lit up their stage with many great musicals over the years such as and , and this year’s production of is unique in that it is tailored to the many talents of this year’s cast.
It was born out of an idea the students had to choose songs they loved to sing and then craft a story around these songs to create a jukebox musical that all could enjoy.
After collating a list of songs, Saffron Geraghty and Cadel Wilson formed an outline of the story loosely based on an -inspired television talent show. Building on this student-led outline, teacher Fiona Watts completed the story, weaving together compelling characters, intricate plot twists and heartfelt moments that bring the musical’s world to life.
There are four judges, Damien Moyles, Sinead Kelly, Joe Gallagher and Fiona Timlin and they all have their issues. Two have had a romance in the past, one is hung up on her successful past as a dancer, and the one we all love to hate, Damien, is secretly the father of one of the contestants Ana Oliveira and the henchmen, Reuben Daly and Stephen Kenny will let nothing stand in Ana's way.
The only problem is the two rising stars on the horizon, Lua McNally and Brayden Murray Nolan, who find blossoming romance during the show.
So begins a story of the trials and tribulations of the contestants and judges with comedy, dance, song, and romance all thrown in for good measure.
The two hosts, Aine Toland and Cadel Wilson, lead the way as our ensemble cast audition dance and sing their hearts out for the audience.
Some of the songs in the mix are and - to name just a few.
Gortnor Abbey has a long tradition of producing shows to a national award-winning standard and has enjoyed success over the past number of years in the Secondary School Spotlight Stage Awards.
The production team is led by Ms Sharon Fleming and Ms Taryn Kelly and Ms Marie Powell is show director. Ms Kelly is also the choreographer while Ms Fleming leads the props and costume team with Ms Olva Martin, and they are assisted by talented seamstress Karen Mulhern. The choir and singers are led expertly by Ms Watts, the musical director.
Ms Catherine Newman and Mr Vincent Gallagher have helped students design and craft a stage that is second to none.
The school has also thanked the front office for their support with administration and ticket sales and, of course, the TY students themselves who have offered unique and valuable contributions to the production.
There promises to be mayhem, madness and incredible talent this Thursday and Friday night, March 6th and 7th, at Gortnor Abbey Secondary School and the audience is sure to be, as the name of the musical suggests, starstruck.
