'Disco Inferno' fires up audiences in Mitchelstown

There were lots of tired bodies and minds following 4 intense nights of 'Disco Inferno' - the latest Mitchelstown Musical Society production. Established in 2006, some of the Society's other credits to date include 'Beauty & The Beast', 'Wizard of Oz', 'Oliver', 'Oklahoma' and ' Fiddler On The Roof'. Traditionally, production standards have been very high, so the pressure was on to match and hopefully, surpass all that has gone before.

With Killian Collins (director), Aileen McMurtry (choreographer) and Robbie Pender (musical director) to the fore, this talented trio gave it 'a fair old rattle' for the 2023 production.

HUGE UNDERTAKING

Mitchelstown Musical Society shows have had large casts in the past - but never 51. This head count brought with it a variety of challenges, most notably, sourcing and installing a stage capable of accommodating such a mega show. Jack of all trades and master of them all, Brian Roche, oversaw every aspect of set construction, while Rachel Lawton was, we are reliably informed, busy making costume alterations, right up until the last minute.

Responsibility for publicity and marketing was in the capable hands of Sinead Lenihan. Lead roles in the production were handed to Jack Fitzgerald, Lisa Feerick, Rory Ward, Julie Buckley, Diarmuid Hanley, Colette Daly, Gabriel Casey, Paul Finn, Alison McCormack and Mary O'Callaghan, who played the part of Nicky Diablo. Mary's always substantial workload has increased even more since she took over the chairmanship of Mitchelstown Musical Society. Forever associated with CBS (Primary School), Mary is retired from this role, however, she remains as busy as ever.

PRICE TAG

' Disco Inferno' didn't come cheap and the society are extremely grateful to Hodgins, Mitchelstown Credit Union, Dairygold and Cork County Council for their financial assistance. This support, combined with contributions from a variety of individuals and businesses, goes some way to defraying, what are, very considerable costs.

VALUE FOR MONEY

So, did this much hyped show deliver in terms of customer satisfaction? The answer is unequivocally, ' yes'. Visually, 'Disco Inferno' was a feast for the senses and while from this remove, we regard fashion and hairstyles from the 1970s as extremely dodgy, Killian Collins and his team got flares just about wide enough; chests, just about hairy enough and medallions just about shiny enough. These scenes were accompanied by a foot stomping '70s sound track, faithfully recreated by musicians: Barry Wilson, Colin Noone, Zach Boland, Rory Craig, John O'Flynn, Ross O'Hea, John O'Duffy and multi instrumentalist, the aforementioned Fermoy based, Robbie Pender.

MUST MENTION THE VENUE

The wonderfully successful run of 'Disco Inferno' showcased Mitchelstown Leisure Centre as an excellent venue. The location of the stage, tiered seating and overall comfort levels were very favourably commented on.

It all made for a first- rate theatrical experience, so take a bow, everyone associated with Mitchelstown Musical Society.