THE beads-and-feather boa girls milled around for Lime Tree Theatre’s media launch of ‘Cocacabana’, Cecilian Musical Society’s production for November 27 to 30. Core to the show’s smash hits there is a tender love story: 1980s’ narrator Stephen/ Tony Forte (played by Michael O’Gorman) dreams his way back in to time to a New York of the 1940s when Tony was inspired by Lola (Sadhbh McCoy).
She’s new in town, freshly boxed from Tulsa and ready to realise her ambition to become a dancer.
Lola the bold girl is ultimately wooed by a wealthy, shady other to Cuba. Or is she? After all, this musical is all about flights of fancy and the razzle dazzle.
“We are delighted to have Barbara Meaney back with us as choreographer – she has won four out of the five past AIMS (Association of Irish Musical Societies) awards for Best Choreography,” chairperson Anne-Marie Mulcahy tells Arts page. “We have a hugely talented cast when it comes to dancers and indeed, a talented cast on all fronts. We also welcome as Shane O’Farrell as director for the first time with us, a man who has worked previously with Ennis Musical Society.
“The buzz is great and we are looking forward to a spectacular show”.
“Cocacobana is all about the glitz and glamour,” agrees committee member Suzanne O’Keeffe. “Costumes here tonight are from Pat McCann and with costume mistress Jacinta Florish we are sourcing and making others. Rehearsals are in place since August and Shane is selecting a 10-piece orchestra for live accompaniment”.
Jessica Bray as Gladys, Grainne Hartnett as Conchita and Brian Henry as Sam Silver confirm the feverish pace of work that will gather momentum going into late November performances. Des Henn moves from directing to play baddie Rico Castelli (also producer).
Deputising as mayor, Cllr Joe Leddin made the observation that “our City of Culture status is eternally indebted to groups like Cecilian Musical Society” and promised to cite them as an example of active citizenship in his later appointment at LIT that evening. He also praised their dedication, “personally and professionally that will result in a really great show”.
Cecilians are known to sell out performances so book ahead on www.limetreetheatre.ie, November 27 to 30.
