PHOENIX PRODUCTIONS AUGUST 9TH - 12TH 2017 Music: Andrew Lloyd Webber Lyrics: T.S. Elliot Producer Director/Choreographer Musical Director Production Manager Set Designer Musical Supervisor Lighting Designer Stage Manager Sound
Gerard O’ Brien Debbie Kiernan Michael Young Eamonn B. Shanahan John O’ Donoghue David Wray Gerry Taylor Allan Butler Star Systems
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The Phoenix Family
When the crime’s discovered then Macavity’s not there
DON CUNNINGHAM
WELCOME
Its August 2017, another summer has come and gone and another Phoenix Production show is in the offing. This year the group are thrilled to present the spectacular Andrew Lloyd Webber timeless CATS. I wish to thank each and every one of you for coming along and supporting the show and trust you will enjoy the performance and encourage others to attend. Since its inception in 1998 Phoenix has grown and evolved and the Phoenix family has extended year by year with new members continually joining. The cast this year have really risen to the challenge of the production and put in an incredible effort in rehearsals to bring you what promises to be another top quality Phoenix Productions show. This would not have been possible without the guidance and professionalism afforded them by Debbie Kiernan (Director/Choreographer) and Michael Young (Musical Director). Their skills and talent have allowed the cast to develop and more importantly enjoy the experience. I must also recognise the immense contribution our friends and sponsors have made to the Phoenix project over the years as without that support the productions would not have been possible and Phoenix would not have survived. Many of these generous people are listed in the programme and I trust you will recognise
the work they do and support them in turn. Finally a massive thank you to the Phoenix committee, an incredible group of people who give unselfishly of their time and talent to keeping the “show on the road” They truly are a great team and as a team it is not right to single out any individual but this year there is without doubt someone who must be recognised for their personal contribution, Mary Blake. Since 1998 Mary has been chairperson of Phoenix and she has made a massive personal commitment to the project and has contributed enormously to its success from its very humble beginnings. This year Mary has decided to step down from the chair but we are delighted that she has agreed to stay on the committee and her knowledge and experience is still available to us. So Mary, from all the Phoenix family, thank you for everything you have achieved over the years, Phoenix is truly a testament to you. Enjoy the show everyone and please spread the word!
About Phoenix
Past Productions
Phoenix Productions was founded in 1998 to harness the talent of the young people of Thurles. It is a non-profit organisation.
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Through the use of a professional choreographer and musical director Phoenix Productions has staged a musical production every year since 1998. It depends on the sale of tickets, an Arts Council Grant administered by Tipperary North County Council and sponsorship for its survival. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all who supported Phoenix in the past and hope that it will continue into the future..
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Rock Nativity Grease Westside Story Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat The Little Shop of Horrors The Wiz Jesus Christ Superstar Seven Brides for Seven Brothers Guys and Dolls Seussical The Musical High School Musical The Hot Mikado Oliver! Les Misérables The Phantom of the Opera Bugsy Malone Beauty and the Beast Jr. Peter Pan Cats
Synopsis Based on T.S. Eliot’s whimsical collection of poems, Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s popular musical brings together a tribe of Jellicle Cats on a moonlit evening, who must make the “Jellicle choice” to decide which of them will ascend to the mysterious Heaviside Layer to be reborn. Featuring such celebrated standards as the haunting “Memory,” Cats was an international phenomenon and its original production is still the fourth-longest-running show on Broadway with a revival running since summer 2016. A magical, moving, and often slapstick glimpse into the lives of others, Cats takes Eliot’s lyrical poetry and puts it to a diverse company of singing and dancing felines.
Act 2 Moments of Happiness Gus, The Theatre Cat Growltiger The Ballad of Billy M’Caw Gus the Theatre Cat Reprise Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat Macavity: The Mystery Cat Macavity Fight Mr. Mistoffelees Memory Reprise The Journey to the Heaviside Layer Finale - The Ad-Dressing of Cats
MUSICAL NUMBERS
Memory, all alone in the moonlight, I can smile at the old days
Act 1 Overture Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats The Naming of Cats The Old Gumbie Cat The Rum Tum Tugger Grizabella The Glamour Cat Bustopher Jones Mungojerrie & Rumpleteazer Old Deuteronomy The Battle of the Pekes & the Pollicles The Song of the Jellicles & the Jellicle Ball Memory
Cast IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER
Admetus Alonzo Asparagus Bill Bailey/Macavity Bombalurina Bustopher Jones Carbucketty Cassandra Coricopat Demeter Electra Grizabella Jellylorum Jennyanydots Jemima Mr. Mistoffelees/Quaxo Mungojerrie Munkustrap Old Deuteronomy Rum Tum Tugger Rumpelteazer Rumpus Skimbleshanks Tantomile Victoria
Aiden Mullally Eoghan O Regan Loughlin Russell Sam Rapoport Esha Hourihane Clancy Harry Hogan Bill Purcell Ailish Layden Joe Hynes Naomi Ryan Katie Lowe Katie Taylor Ruth Everard Rachel Butler Cashadh Lyons Cameron Kelly Tommy Caffrey Gavin Murphy Richie Crowe Evan Lyons Erika Carroll Jonathan Strapp James Corbett Erin Hayden Áine Dunne
Ensemble Aoife Dempsey, Siobhán Ely, Megan Grace, Niamh Harrington, Nicole Kennedy, Kaci Kerwick, Roisin Kiely, Amy Maher, Brúgha Meehan, Anita Moloughney, Alix Noonan, Bill O’Dwyer, Clodagh O’Dwyer, Shannon O’Halloran, Ruth Ryan, Leona Ryan, Adam Tracey
Production Team
Producer Director Musical Director Production Manager Musical Supervisor Set Designer Stage Manager Lighting Designer Sound Dance Captain Production Assistant Props Stage Hands Wardrobe Make Up Design Make Up Supervisor Booking Office
Box Office
Promotional Designer P.R. Assistant Balcony Usher Ushers Main Raffle Front of House
Gerard O’ Brien Debbie Kiernan Michael Young Eamonn B. Shanahan David Wray John O’ Donoghue Allan Butler Gerry Taylor Star Systems Katie Taylor Greg Hanafin, Emer Byrne Moira McLoughlin William O’ Donohoe Megan O’ Connor Ali Murphy Erin Hayden Anita McKenna Mary Blake Anne Strapp, Loughlin Russell, Darragh Byrne, Gavin Murphy Cameron Kelly Jody Brolan, Don Cunningham, Anita McKenna, Michael Blake Eamonn B. Shanahan Esha Hourihane Clancy Bill Purcell Derek O’ Connell The Lions Club Peggy Morris Parents & Friends of Phoenix
Meet the Team
GERARD O’ BRIEN
A WORD FROM THE PRODUCER - HERDING CATS
We acknowledge with thanks the great support that we have received from the people of Tipperary for the last 19 years. 2018 marks the 20th anniversary of this organisation and what amazing friendships have been made throughout those years. Phoenix Productions itself has made many journeys to far-off places. In summary we opened in Israel, and fled to ‘Grease’. We moved to West New York for a musical adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. We then bought a Little Shop of Horrors before moving to Oz. We returned to Israel for the crucifixion and then left to find Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Guys and Dolls took us to the land of Seuss where we all ended up in a High School Musical. Hot jazz in the Mikado turned to gruel at the orphanage in Oliver! As if things weren’t bad enough we moved to Paris for Les Miserables and stayed there to be scared witless by the Phantom of the Opera. We were extradited to Chicago to meet Bugsy Malone. The next journey was to a quiet village to experience Beauty and the Beast leading us to Neverland where we met Peter Pan. Phew! We welcome back Debbie Kiernan as Director and Choreographer of this production. It has required dedication and attention to detail and endless patience for the herd of cats that constitute this year’s cast. We welcome Michael Young to the Phoenix fold as Musical
Director. He has taught complex harmonies, negotiated difficult time signatures and quirky lyrics for most of the summer. He has been a real addition to our project and we hope to welcome him back for many years to come. David Wray has been very busy this year with the blockbusting premiere of the musical version of Angela’s Ashes and he returns to Phoenix this year as Musical Supervisor. We welcome him and his merry band to Thurles once again. We acknowledge with thanks the contributions of Christopher Carew and Mary Rose McNally for all their help throughout the year. We welcome back Gerry Taylor who has come out of retirement from Phoenix to help us to experience the vision of TS Eliot as interpreted by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The greatest challenge to anybody staging a production of Cats is making the storyline and the theme understandable. The production team to include direction, lights, sound, stage, costume, musical direction and continuity have found it to be frustrating, rewarding and most worthwhile. I say this as Producer and must compliment the dedication of this year’s cast to the rehearsal process. This is the most famous adaptation of TS Eliot’s famous work. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Cats had a recordbreaking run following its launch on London’s West End
and New York’s Broadway in 1981 and 1982. Eliot’s estate, presided over by his widow, Valerie, demanded that the poet’s own words – not some paraphrase or script – be used by Lloyd Webber. Grizabella, excluded from the book version, was added, using an unpublished draft. Few children have found it too ‘sad’ to watch. I hope that you see the depth of passion and emotion that has been placed by this cast in this most unusual show. Lloyd Webber’s version narrativises the poems around the band of Jellicles, providing a storyline rather than presenting a series of what would have been stilted solo performances. The stage version was filmed in 1988. Eliot died long before the stage version, and it is pleasant to speculate what he would have made of it. If it entertained children, and amused adults, Old Possum would, one can plausibly assume, have heartily approved and, like most of us, would have left the theatre humming Lloyd Webber’s catchy songs. Sit back, relax and enjoy because –
The Jellicle Moon Is Shining Bright! Jellicles Come to the Jellicle Ball!
DEBBIE KIERNAN
DIRECTOR/CHOREOGRAPHER
Debbie trained at the College of Dance Digges Lane and is a member of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance.
talent show series 1,2&3. Eurodance, Eurosong. Pump up my Dance (dance consultant)
Debbie has worked on some of the most renowned stages far and wide; Madison Square Garden (New York) Wembley (London) Playhouse & National Theatre (Vienna), Stadt Theatre Hamburg(Germany).
Musicals/Panto: Parade at The Pleasance Theatre, London for “the Urdang” Singing in the Rain at the Cork Opera House. Jesus Christ Superstar at The Gaiety Theatre, Isle Of Man. King Lear at The Helix Dublin for Second Age Theatre. Anglo The Musical at the Bord Gais Theatre and Olympia Theatre Dublin. Pirates of Penzance at the Helix. Hey Get a Life, Andrews Lane Theatre. On such as We, The Peacock Theatre. A Life Abbey Theatre. Mannie the Musical, Gay Theatre Festival Dublin. Jack and the Beanstalk, Aladdin, Robinson Crusoe and Cinderella at the Gaiety Theatre Dublin Snow White at Liberty Hall Theatre, Peter Pan at the Tivoli Theatre Dublin. Jack and The Beanstalk, Cinderella, Aladdin and Little Red Riding Hood at the Everyman Palace Cork.
Theatre credits include: The temptress in Spirit of the Dance (U.S.A & European Arena Tour), Dance of The World German Tour, the Broadway production of 42nd street at the Apollo Stuttgart. Guys and Dolls, Mary in the Wiremen, Rosalia in West side Story and Anytime Annie in 42nd street all at the Gaiety Theatre. The maiden in Slam and This Dancing Life for Irish Modern Dance Theatre with Sara Rudner (New York), Eejit of Love at the Pavilion Theatre. Magick Macabre Olympia Theatre and Alice in Funderland at the Abbey Theatre. Tv/movies: Dancer for The Tudors, Pop Idol, Ella Enchanted, Penny Dreadful. Choreography credits include: TV: Opening for the IFTA Awards 10th Anniversary. Bernard Dunnes Brod Club TG4. Jedwards’ Dream Factory. All Ireland
When I look full of gloom, Then I’ve lunched at the Tomb, On cabbage, rice pudding and mutton
Director: Dublin Dancers German tour and Inclusion Fusion, Mill Theatre. Debbie also has the pleasure of working on a number of productions with TMS. She choreographed Peter Pan for Phoenix last year and is delighted to be back working wth this wonderfully talented company.
MICHAEL YOUNG
MUSICAL DIRECTOR
Michael graduated from the CIT Cork School of Music with a First Class Honours Masters degree in Piano and Organ Accompaniment in 2015 and a First Class Honours BMus degree in 2013. He holds diplomas in piano performance (dipABRSM), organ performance (ALCM) and piano teaching (dipLCM(TD)). Michael has been involved with musical theatre in the Munster area for the last number of years, working with groups such as the CIT Musical Society, Cork City Musical Society, Cork Arts Studio, LMS, The Cecilians, Barespace, Frontline Stage School, MIDAS, Nenagh Choral Society, Centrestage Youth Theatre and Newcastle West Musical Society. Musical Director credits include the Irish Premieres of bare the musical (CIT Musical Society) for which he won a national AIMS award for Best Musical Director, Carrie the musical (CIT Musical Society) and Crusade (Belltable, Limerick). In 2014 Michael founded his own theatre group, NMT Productions, with the aim of bringing contemporary musical theatre productions to Irish audiences. He has
since produced and musically directed the Irish Premieres of When Midnight Strikes (Miller and Hammonds), LIFT (Adams Watson) and Dogfight (Pasek and Paul), and this year, a production of The Last Five Years (Jason Robert Brown). Other Musical Director credits include Crazy For You (Cork City Musical Society), The Wizard of Oz, Oliver (Newcastle West Musical Society), Man of La Mancha (Marion Wyatt, CAT Club), Back to the 80’s, Mamma Mia (Glenstall Abbey) and with Centrestage (Limerick): Jeykll and Hyde, Miss Saigon and The Scarlet Pimpernel. Michael also works extensively as a musical theatre pianist and has played for amateur productions of Les Miserables, Songs For A New World, The Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, West Side Story, Chess, The Threepenny Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, Fiddler on the Roof, Into The Woods, The Wiz, All Shook Up, Grease, We Will Rock You, Seussical, Jekyll and Hyde, Miss Saigon, Annie, Hairspray, Pirates of Penzance, South Pacific, Guys and Dolls, Sweet Charity, Big the musical (Irish Premiere) and Beauty and the Beast.
PRODUCTION MANAGER This is Eamonn’s tenth year with Phoenix Productions. He graduated from the Crawford College of Art and Design, Cork in June 2014 with a BA in Fine Art and Film Production. Eamonn completed his MA in Creative Producing and Theatre Studies at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London 2015. Since joining in 2007 for ‘Seussical the Musical’ Eamonn performed in many of their productions until he joined the production team for ‘Phantom of the Opera’ (2013), ‘Bugsy Malone’ (2014), ‘Beauty and the Beast Jr.’ (2015) and ‘Peter Pan’ (2016). Eamonn has worked with CIT Musical Society as artistic director and co-producer on three productions: ‘Tick, Tick… Boom’ (2011), ‘A New Brain’ (2011 & 2012); and ‘Into the Woods’ (2013), The Irish College of Music Theatre on their productions of ‘Cabaret’ (2015) and ‘Putting it Together’ (2016) as assistant producer/promotional designer with the English National Opera on their Opera Works production of ‘Landscapes’ (2015) at Bloomsbury Theatre, London as assistant director/producer, ‘Duodeca’, London workshop (2015) and ‘Aladdin’ (2015) in The Source Theatre both as
EAMONN B. SHANAHAN
director/producer. Recent work includes ‘The Chastitute’ at The Gaiety Theatre (2017), ‘The Successful TD’ andv ‘The Matchmaker’ (2017-18 Tour) with City Theatre Dublin. Film work includes director of ‘Workspace’ (2014), assistant director of ‘Shem The Penman Sings Again’ (2013) and production manager on ‘After Andy’ (2018). As an artist producer Eamonn has produced large-scale multidisciplinary arts exhibitions including ‘AWTY’ (2013) and ‘Na hOibreacha’ (2014). He has produced for individual artists most recently including the launch of Maria Fitzgerald’s new album ‘Little Trip to Heaven’ (2017) and Naoise Stewart Kelly’s upcoming production. Eamonn is currently director/producer of Billie Traynor’s new play ‘Beryl and Eejit’. It begins its’ national tour in Dublin this August and a new children’s play both under his production company Poppin Productions (www.poppinproductions.com) Eamonn would like to wish the hardworking cast of Cats the very best of luck!
JOHN O’ DONOGHUE
SET DESIGNER
Most recent design credits are Sweeney Todd (Watergate eater) Assassins ( The Helix), The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Millbank Theatre), All Shook Up (TMS), Sister Act (CMS), e Billie Barry 50th Anniversary Show (Gaiety Theatre), The King and I for the R&R (NCH) and the award winning Michael Collins at the Watergate Theatre for KMS. Other credits include On the Razzle (Garter Lane), Jerry Springer the Opera (Bord Gáis Energy Theatre), RENT (The Helix), The Promise ( The Helix),Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolfe (Mill Teatre) Into the Woods (Draíocht), Seagulls Dance (Draíocht), The Great Waltz (Gaiety Teatre), The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Hamlet (Cork Opera House), The Full Monty, Singin’ in the Rain and Bugsy Malone (Olympia eatre), Ritual for Dolls (Mill Theatre) and Eoin Colfer’s Lords
ALLAN BUTLER
of Love (National Opera House, Wexford). For Festival Productions John has designed Oliver, Annie, The Sound of Music, The Wizard of Oz, Camelot, South Pacific, Oklahoma, and A Christmas Carol - all at the National Concert Hall. He has designed Follies, The Producers, The Scarlet Pimpernel and The Witches of Eastwick for WLOS at the National Opera House, Wexford. G&S credits for the R&R include e Pirates of Penzance, e Mikado, Iolanthe, HMS Pinafore, The Gondoliers and Yeoman of the Guard - all at the NCH. Opera credits include La Traviata, La Boheme and The Marriage of Figaro (An Taidhbhearc). Previously for KMS John has designed Bugsy Malone, Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserable
STAGE MANAGER
Allan Butler has been involved as a member of Phoenix Productions since 2008. Even at that juncture, he was very keen to get involved with stage construction and design. He has been Stage Manager since 2010. Allan hopes that Phoenix will continue to take on such challenging projects into the future. He is absolutely delighted, once again, to take on the
role of Stage Manager for this year’s production of Cats. The construction of this year’s set and management of the stage has been a very different experience because of the type of show. He has enjoyed every minute of working with the production team, cast and crew of Cats and would like to wish all involved a highly successful run over the coming nights.
MUSICAL SUPERVISOR Trained at Lancaster University and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London. He has since worked as a pianist, musical director and arranger in both Musical Theatre and Opera. In London he worked for The English Bach Festival, and was Musical Director for productions of Acis and Galatea and Dido & Aeneas. David has also worked as repetiteur for Wexford Festival Opera and DGOS/Opera Ireland. He has been Musical Director for numerous productions in Ireland and beyond. In
The Jellicle Moon is Shining Bright
DAVID WRAY
1998 David formed a new company Music Theatre Ireland. Credits include Irish Premieres of ‘Songs for a New World’, ‘I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change’,’The Last Five Years’,‘Listen To My Heart:The Songs of David Friedman’ David is currently artistic/musical director for Dublin City Council’s Opera In The Open, he is musical director for Phoenix Productions, The Three Irish Tenors & Druid. His many credits as an arranger include orchestrations and arrangements for Brian Flynn’s Michael Collins for Cork Opera House along with numerous CD projects the latest of which, Sandra Oman’s debut album ‘Liberty’, reached number one in the iTunes Charts! Recent theatre credits include Assassins, Sweeney Todd, Listen To My Heart, Beauty and The Beast. David is currently head of music for The Irish College of Musical Theatre and recently completed a national tour as Musical Director for Angela’s Ashes.
Meet the Cast
OLD DEUTERONOMY
RICHIE CROWE
SPONSORED BY: AMY & LUCY CALLANAN Richie is 16 years old and comes from Bansha. He is a new member of Phoenix Productions this year but is no stranger to the stage. He has been in productions with Tipperary Musical Society, St. Mary’s Choral Society, Excel Youth Theatre and Cashel Community School. His favourite roles have been Tevye (Fiddler on the Roof), Corny Collins (Hairspray) and Fagin (Oliver!). Richie has enjoyed playing such a well-known role and says it was one of the most vocally demanding roles he has performed.
KATIE TAYLOR
GRIZABELLA MUNKUSTRAP
SPONSORED BY: MARY & MICHAEL BLAKE Katie is delighted to be back once again with Phoenix for her fourth year after having joined in 2013. She has played the parts of Lena Marelli in Bugsy Malone; Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast and the Narrator in Peter Pan , she is very happy to be back to play Grizabella this year. Katie also takes part in the annual school show in the Ursuline Convent. In 2015 she played the part of Fagan in Oliver! In 2016 she played the part of Narrator in Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat. She is also a member of Thurles’s community Panto society that performed Aladdin in 2015 and Snow White in 2016. Katie and her sister Stacey run a stage school every Saturday morning in Scoil Ailbhe.
GAVIN MURPHY
SPONSORED BY: THE HAYDEN FAMILY
Gavin is a 5th year student in Thurles CBS. He has played roles such as Johnny Casino (Grease), Alf Bueler (Back to the 80’s) and Sam (Thank You for the Music). He has also choreographed CBS productions since 2014. He also has recently choreographed Thurles Community Panto Society’s Snow White. Gavin joined phoenix in 2010 and has since played roles such as the ÁINE title role in Oliver; Gavroche (Les Mis); Fizzy(Bugsy Malone) and Cogsworth DUNNE in (Beauty and the Beast). He is also a member of Thurles Drama Group SPONSORED BY: DR. DECLAN LAWLESS & FAMILY where he played Johnny Boyle (Juno and the Paycock). He also This is Áine’s fourth summer show with Phoenix. She has taken won two adjudicator awards part in Bugsy Malone, Beauty and the Beast and Peter Pan. for his portrayal of Gabriel She has also taken part in every cabaret since 2014. She is a Scully(Portia Couglan). member of the Thurles Cathedral Folk group. She has taken part Gavin has also played in many Presentation Secondary School Musical Productions; Prince Rupert(Snow White) Joesph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat and the Lion King. and Ping(Alladin), with She participated in many shows with Dwan Acadamy and the community Panto. was Dance Assistant there for three years. She is delighted Gavin is a dance to play the part of Victoria. leader at the Poppin Production’s “Lets Create” camp and is a member JAMES of the Thurles CORBETT Cathedral Folk Group SPONSORED BY: JOE KELLY & FAMILY
VICTORIA
SKIMBLESHANKS
This is James’s third Summer Production with Phoenix, having played Mr Darling in Peter Pan last year and a chorus member in Beauty and the Beast two years ago. James also played the part of Corey Palmer Snr. in CBS Thurles’s Back to the 80’s and has taken part in two fundraising Phoenix Cabarets’. James is a member of the Thurles Cathedral Folk Group. James has an avid interest in the arts from stage to screen. James is ecstatic to play the part of Skimbleshanks and hopes you share his enthusiasm in watching the show.
LOUGHLIN RUSSELL
ASPARAGUS JELLYLORUM
SPONSORED BY: SARAH FEEHAN With Phoenix Loughlin has performed in Oliver, Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Bugsy Malone as Knuckles, Ensemble in Beauty and the Beast Jr. and the role of Captain Hook’s evil sidekick; Smee in our production of Peter Pan in 2016. He has also been in six Phoenix Cabarets. Loughlin is entering 6th year in Thurles CBS and has performmed in The Little Shop of Horrors, Our House, Grease (Eugene). In Back to the 80s (Mr. Cocker). Loughlin played the role of PC Pong in Aladdin at the Source in 2015, He is in the Thurles Cathedral Folk Group and CBS Choral Group.
SAM RAPOPORT
MACAVITY
SPONSORED BY: MIRIAM CALLANAN Ruth plays the role of Jellylorum tonight. This is Ruth’s second show with Phoenix having played the part of Mrs. Darling in last year’s Peter Pan. Ruth has just completed her time in the Ursuline having taken part in shows such as Jesus Christ Superstar, Les Miserables. She has been lucky enough to play the part of Rizzo in Grease and Nancy in Oliver over her time in school. She has just completed her Advanced Singing Recital with the Royal Irish Academy of Music and has won a High Achiever Award for this. She also has completed her Senior Certificate in Musical Theatre this year gaining distinction in this also. Ruth hopes you all enjoy this spectacle of paw-esome purr-formances tonight.
SPONSORED BY: MARY O’ MEARA CURTIS Sam is a new member of Phoenix Productions. He has previously taken part in several shows; including playing Joseph in’ Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dream Coat’ in Rockwell College. He began his stage work in Fracture Youth Theatre and his love for drama and performing grew from there. Sam plays several musical instruments including saxophone, clarinet and guitar. Sam also plays rugby and hurling. Sam is very happy to be playing Macavity as he is a very strong character and he has had great fun practicing his evil laugh.
BILL PURCELL
RUTH EVERARD
RUM TUM TUGGER
EVAN LYONS
SPONSORED BY: LOUISE O’ CONNELL, THE RUNNER BEAN
This is Evan’s third summer show with Phoenix, having being in “Beauty and the Beast Jr”, “Peter Pan” and now “Cats”. He has also taken part in three Cabarets. Evan is going into fifth year in CBS Thurles, he has been in three school productions including “Our House”, “Grease” and “ Thank you for the Music” where he played the role of Bill Austin and also was one of the four choreographers for the production. Evan is an award winning 5 string banjo player and regularly performs at Bluegrass festivals across Ireland and the UK. Evan is delighted to be playing the role of Rum Tum Tugger.
CARBUCKETTY
SPONSORED BY: CLANCY CONSTRUCTION This is Bill’s fourth summer show for Phoenix. In the past he has played the roles of “Fat Sam” in Bugsy Malone and “Gaston” in Beauty and the Beast. He is very excited to be taking part in this year’s production of Cats. He thinks that this has been a very challenging but extremely rewarding production.
AIDEN MULLALLY
ADMETUS
SPONSORED BY: DON & RAY CUNNINGHAM This is Aiden’s second involvement in a Phoenix summer production. He is very happy to be playing the role of ‘Admetus’ tonight. He has been involved in musicals such as ‘Back to the 80’s’ in Presentation Ballingarry, playing Corey Palmer. He played ‘John Dorling’ in last year’s Phoenix Production of Peter Pan and was also involved in the cabaret ‘Magic to Do’ in the spring.
JONATHAN STRAPP
RUMPUS
SPONSORED BY: SIMONE STRAPP Jonathan is no stranger to the Phoenix stage having been a member since Oliver!. He has also gone on to perform in Les Miserables, The Phantom of the Opera, Bugsy Malone, Beauty and the Beast and Peter Pan. He has also partaken in many school productions with the CBS and has also ventured into the world of pantomime with Thurles Community Panto Society. Jonathan has throughly enjoyed rehearsals this summer and hopes his performance is nearly purr-fect!
BOMBALORINA
ESHA HOURIHANE CLANCY
SPONSORED BY: TERRY & ANITA MCKENNA Esha has been a member of Phoenix Productions since 2015 and has participated in Peter Pan as well as two fundraising Cabarets. She has also thoroughly enjoyed taking part in several school shows in the Ursuline and CBS; Les Miserables, Jesus Christ Superstar, Grease and Oliver. She recently received distinction in her grade 8 musical theatre singing exam and has participated in the AIMS Youth Summer Workshop for the past two years. Her favourite song in Cats is “Macavity: The Mystery Cat”, and she hopes that you enjoy it as much as she enjoys performing it!
NAOMI RYAN
DEMETER
SPONSORED BY: SILVIANNE STRAPP Naomi is delighted to join Phoenix Productions again this year for Cats. It is her fourth year in Phoenix and has been involved in Bugsy Malone, Beauty and the Beast and Peter Pan. She has completed her first year studying music at National University of Ireland, Maynooth.
CAMERON KELLY
MR. MISTOFFELEES
SPONSORED BY: EVELYN RYAN This is Cameron’s 6th summer production with Phoenix Productions and is delighted to play the role of Mr. Mistoffelees in this year’s production of Cats. Cameron has choreographed and assisted in the production of four school musicals and two Phoenix Cabarets including For Now, Magic to do, Grease and Back to the 80’s and was also an assistant director in Thurles Community Panto Society’s Snow White. He is a member of Thurles Cathedral Folk Group and previously played Wishee Washee in the Source Panto’s Aladdin in 2015. Cameron hopes you enjoy the Magical fantasy that is Cats.
JEMIMA
CASHADH LYONS
SPONSORED BY: J. J. O’ SULLIVAN This is Cashadh’s fourth summer production with Phoenix including Peter Pan where she played the leading female role of Wendy Darling in 2016. She is a pupil of Presentation Secondary School where she takes part in the school musical every year. Last year she played the part of Billy’s Mother in their production of ‘Billy Elliot’ which went on to win best school musical in the country at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre Student Awards. Cashadh is also a member of Thurles Cathedral Folk Group. Cashadh looks forward to playing the part of Jemima and hopes you enjoy the show!
TOMMY CAFFREY
MUNGOJERRIE
SPONSORED BY: CLLR. SEAN RYAN This is Tommy’s fourth year in Phoenix in which he has participated in four cabarets and summer shows including Bugsy Malone (Leroy Smith), Beauty and the Beast and Peter Pan (Slightly). Tommy is in the CBS Thurles, he has been in all school productions since first becoming a pupil in 2012. He has played leading roles in school productions of Back to the 80s and Thank You for the Music . Tommy plays Mungojerrie who is one half of the nimble fingered twin cat burglars Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer.
ERIKA CARROLL
RUMPELTEAZER
SPONSORED BY: GLASHEENS BUS HIRE Erika is delighted to perform in her second summer show with Phoenix Productions. In 2011 she played the role of Little Eponine in Les Miserables and has taken part in three Cabarets since then. Erika began performing at the age of three with Dwans’ Stage School and was a member for ten years. Erika is going into fifth year in the Ursuline where she has taken part in Oliver! She also took part in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat playing the role of Judah. She loves music and plays the violin and piano. Erika has enjoyed every minute of the production of CATS and wants to thank everyone who made it possible. She is delighted to follow in her siblings’ footsteps and perform with Phoenix Productions.
ALONZO
EOGHAN O’ REGAN
SPONSORED BY: CLLR. JOHN HOGAN Eoghan plays the part of Alonzo. This is Eoghan’s second Phoenix summer show he took part in Peter Pan last year as Jukes the pirate. Eoghan recently appeared in CBS Thurles’ successful production of Thank You for the Music. He also played Scratch in the Thurles Community Panto over the Christmas period. Eoghan very much hopes that you enjoy the show.
JENNYANYDOTS
RACHEL BUTLER
This is Rachel’s fourth year with Phoenix, and she is delighted to return this year to play the part of Jennyanydots, the lazy Gumbie cat. Rachel is in 5th year in the Ursuline Secondary School, where she takes part in their yearly show in October. Rachel is also a member of her school’s chamber choir who won Feis Ceoil last year and plays percussion in the Senior Orchestra. She is thoroughly enjoying Cats this year as she loves dancing and has made so many great memories and friends.
BUSTOPHER JONES
HARRY HOGAN
This is Harry’s third year with Phoenix Productions. He was lucky enough to play the part of Maurice in ‘Beauty and the Beast’ in 2015. He has also taken part in various school musicals in CBS Thurles, most memorably playing the part of Feargal McFerrin III in their production of ‘Back to the 80’s’. He is very much looking forward to playing a Fat Cat this year.
ERIN HAYDEN
TANTOMILE
This is Erin’s second Phoenix summer production. She was an ensemble member in our production of ‘Peter Pan’. She has appeared in and assisted in the choreography our 2017 fundraising cabaret of ‘Magic to Do’. Erin has taken part in school musicals such as ‘Oliver’ and ‘Les Miserables’ in the Ursuline Secondary School here in Thurles. She was also a member of Moyne Variety Group for 6 years. She is delighted to play the role of Tantomile.
CORICOPAT
JOE HYNES
Joe first joined the world of theatre in 2015. Played title role of Beast in Phoenix’s production of Beauty and the Beast. Consequently, he developed a great love of theatre and was soon back on stage as an unsullied soldier in Thurles Community Panto Society’s Aladdin. He went on to take part in Peter pan in 2016 as a Lost Boy ; Curly. In the spring he took part in the fundraising cabaret; Magic to Do. Joe is an enthusiastic and very valuable member of Phoenix.
Special thanks to Phoenix Productions are delighted once again to have received such wonderful encouragement and assistance from the local community. Many thanks to Bríd Ryan, Principal, Scoil Ailbhe, Primary School for their unbelievable generosity in giving us the use of the school for countless rehearsals in 2016/17.
We are eternally greatful to Thurles Drama Group for offering the opening night of their Autumn production (2016) as a fundraiser - it is very much appreciated. To the members of Thurles Lions Club who loyally provide ushers for our nightly shows we thank you for your professionalism and friendship.
Acknowledgments Thurles Drama Group Scoil Ailbhe Primary School Bríd Ryan Dundon Gerry Taylor Michael Campbell Premier Hall Thurles Lions Club Thurles Garda Síochána Veronica Molloy, Crossogue Michael & Frances Ronayne Evelyn Nevin Thurles Rotary Club Cooleeney Cheese, Moyne Thurles Cash & Carry Tipperary County Council Geraldine Henchion, Tipp FM Noel Dundon Niamh Dillon Tipperary Star Star Systems John & Noelle Butler
Fr. Gerard Hennessy Louise O’ Connell Catherine Daly Thurles Greyhound Stadium Ryan’s Daughter Donal & Hugh Ryan Martin Healy Brendan Shanahan Liam & Elaine Kearney The Source Library Staff R. D. I. Charity Horseshow Dunnes Stores Morans Menswear Glasheens Bus Hire Irish Rail TheJournal.ie Peggy Kirby Mary Cashen Mary Hanna Eileen Lyons
The Phoenix Committee Don Cunningham (Chairperson) Anita McKenna (Treasurer) Mary Murphy (Secretary) Mary Blake Anne Strapp Daniel Kirby Billy O’ Dwyer Siobhán King Miriam Callanan Gerard O’ Brien
AQS Environmental Solutions wish good luck to the Phoenix cast in their production of “Cats ” Septic Tanks Emptied
Drain Cleaning
Tel:1800 500 020 WORKING TOWARDS A BETTER ENVIRONMENT Email: info@aqssolutions.ie www.aqssolutions.ie