Large audiences flock to Moate's Hairspray musical

The high standard which the music department at Moate Community School has maintained since the foundation of the school was exceeded with its fantastic production of Hairspray last week. The choice of Hairspray was in itself a departure and a new challenge. This is a modern, fast-paced musical with demanding roles for all the principals and a variety of musical tempo, which was very demanding for the musicians. The huge cast which numbered 170 moved on and off stage with precision and speed, keeping the show moving along at a very slick pace. The driving forces behind the production Lorna Duignan from the Music Department at Moate Community School and Colin Hughes the director/choreographer can reflect on a job well done. The musical was the talk of the town and nothing sells tickets like word of mouth. Tickets for both Wednesday and Thursday night were sold out well in advance of the show and judging from the number of telephone enquiries received after the full house sign went up, a fifth night would also have sold out. This was the first year the show was put on for four nights and this decision was totally justified with even the opening night drawing a crowd that any professional group would covet. The success of this production was totally down to teamwork. Each member of the cast gave their role 100% effort and the energetic dancers smiled their way into the hearts of the audience. The programme outlined the six main teams involved in the background work and from catering to stage construction each piece of the jigsaw combined with the performers to present a stunning showpiece. What about Deirdre Higgins? At 13 years of age Deirdre has many stage credits to her name but she has never had a role like Tracey Turnbald where she was on stage for most of the show and just when we thought she had hit her highest note in Good Morning Baltimore she went one step higher again. A very demanding role played brilliantly by a superb performer. The lead roles were all delivered to a very high standard, the thoroughly obnoxious Amber was performed with magnificent subtlety by Eayna Tone. Shannon Hennessy and Nicole Guinan as Little Inez and Prudy would hardly be recognised by their own parents, a reflection of how well they performed their roles. Right across the leading roles the characters were delivered with aplomb, Rosalee McKenna, a very scary Velma, Emer Fox the gawky Penny, transformed like the ugly duckling into the beautiful swan. Louise Buckley as Edna, Tracey's mother was excellent, padded out and made up to the last. Celine Slevin as the matron/warden was suitably intimidating for her part. The leading man was David Minnock as Link. While David has performed on previous occasions, he brought something extra to this performance, sounding as smooth as he looked. Oisin Foley is another with a lot of performance credits at a very young age and as Seaweed he brought out the humour of the part with a great sense of style. Padraig Henry as Corny Collins was bright and bubbly, just what the role demanded. Jack Flanagan was an ideal corporate mogul as Mr Spritzer, although the pink suit accompanied by a delicate waddle as Mr Pinky is how he will be remembered. Paddy Rabbitte as Wilbur and Adam Cunningham as the headmaster were two comedians playing straight roles and came through with flying colours. School principal Kevin Duffy flew through a long thank you list in record time and drew a great response from the audience for all the participants and helpers. To quote from the programme: "The production is a mere reflection of all the vibrancy of this school and a symbol of all that is good and wholesome in education."