Hot Mikado Takes the Biscuit in Thurles
Once again Phoenix rose from the ashes to brighten up the lives of townsfolk with the youth musical theatre groups version of The Hot Mikado in the Premier Hall over the last week.
The show by Phoenix Productions ran from Wednesday to Saturday and it was standing ovations all round for the 52 strong cast which poured out everything they had for each performance and left the audiences swinging in their seats, tapping their toes, and humming those all too familiar numbers from this wonderfully adapted Gilbert and Sullivan classic.
Phoenix Chairperson Mary Blake stated in her programme notes that there would be no mention of the "R" word during the run of the show. But, unfortunately the big "R" seems to be hitting the arts hard with Phoenix, despite their fantastic show full of colour, life and dance, suffering a significant drop off in audience numbers.
However, while those privileged enough to see The Hot Mikado were fewer than heretofore, there was certainly nothing inferior about the performances. In fact, Phoenix managed to transport everyone from the doom and gloom of the "R" to the little town of Tittipoo where the only cuts being mentioned were those of the beheading kind - now there's something An Bord Snip forgot to look into!!
Anyway, this slap dash musical farce, laced with comedy, humour, great music and dance is a sure fire way of lifting the spirits - and it did. From the moment the Gentlemen of Japan burst onto the stage to be joined by the Wanderin' Minstrel the plot unfolded before our eyes with a cacophony of sound, a kaleidoscope of colour and the sultry and lucid tones of a well versed chorus - the particularly challenging repretoire was nailed on the head by principals and chorus alike with four ( and sometimes eight) part harmony proving no problem at all.
Phoenix is renowned for going to any lengths to get things right - whatever is required is done, no questions asked, no excuses made. So it was with the costumes this year. Wardrobe for this show required loud suits, plenty of colour, classy dresses and traditional Japanese garb to boot. Costly costumes you might think. But, what if the crew got out needle and thread and did it themselves - not only would they significantly reduce the costs, they would also be learning a vital life skill which could come in handy at any time. So, as with the Mikado, if Phoenix "say it is done, practically it is done, so why not say so." Monadreen hummed night and day to the sound of sewing machines as rolls of material were transformed into the colourful creations seen on stage - the great thing is that the costumes are now their own and can be used time and again.
Suffice to say that David Wray (Musical Director), Aisling Doyle (Director/Choreographer), Jackie Curran Olohan (Chorus Mistress) and of course Producer Gerard O'Brien surpassed themselves again with The Hot Mikado. The high standards associated with the company are as a direct result of their attention to detail, their unflinching determination to achieve excellence, and their willingness to impart stagecraft and expertise in equal measure. Phoenix Productions owes much to this team as does everyone who attended any of their shows.
It has been said time and again that the level of talent available in Thurles is staggering. Energetic dance routines, superb acting, challenging vocals and simple stage presence seems to jump out at the audience - it's sometimes hard to believe that most of this crew are still in their teens. Those who are not, have buckets of experience behind them and this too shines through.
The principal line-up was as good as you will see. Shane Willoughby as Nanki Poo, David Farah as Poo Bah, David Carroll as Pish Tush, Frank Tuohy and Ko Ko, Katie Lawless as Yum Yum, Maria Griffin as Pitti Sing, Michelle Revins as Peep Bo, Deirdre Ryan and Katisha and of course Conor Cunningham as The Mikado were fantastic and really emersed themselves in their roles. Ko Ko stole the show with Deirdre Ryan proving to be a very imposing and impressive Katisha - both simply superb.
The chorus had a massive role to play in this show and they proved equal to the task with well timed choreography and melodic singing helping to move the show along at a very fast pace indeed. The chorus was also made-up fantastically with hair being tended to as well - all done in-house. This also helped with the visuals and certainly enhanced the production - the costume and make-up crew can take a well deserved bow after this one with Gerry Taylor on lighting also proving a very helpful visual ally.
The entire Phoenix Productions team from front of house to box office, props to stage design and construction led by Dean Rossiter, Dance Captain Siobhan King, share in the plaudits for this wonderful production of The Hot Mikado. This production, the start of the second decade in the life of the company, was as professional as any they have undertaken.
Pity then that more did not get to see it. Next year perhaps, if we are clawing our way out of the 'R'.
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Friday 18 May 2012
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