The Dunamaise Arts Centre has been packed to capacity all week for the latest Portlaoise Musical Society production.
This year is their 26th annual performance and on stage is Come From Away, a true story based on the events of a small town of Gander in Newfoundland in Canada which welcomed 7,000 diverted passengers following the terrorist attacks of 9/11.
It’s a show that has been in Broadway in New York and the West End in London and this Portlaoise adaption, as has become the norm by now, is once again of an incredibly high standard.
“A small town called Gander, Newfoundland, opened their homes and hearts to thousands of stranded airline passengers,” writes Portlaoise Musical Society chairperson Angie McNulty in her programme notes, or ‘Captain’s Announcement’.
“What unfolded was an extraordinary story of generosity, friendship and humanity.
“This production celebrates the true spirit of giving, the kindness, resilience and sense of community that emerged in a moment of global crisis.”
McNulty goes on to praise the “wonderful cast, production team, crew and committee, who have embraced this beautiful piece of musical theatre with such heart and dedication”.
There are huge stage performances again from the likes of Andrew Docherty, the Scotland native who has become a regular with the Portlaoise group, who plays the larger than life role of the Gander mayor Claude.
Laoise O’Connell is Janice, the rookie Canadian news reporter, Georgina Ireland is Diane, the Texan woman who finds love in the guise of British businessman Nick (Rory Chadwick) while the hugely talented Teresa Lynch is cast wonderfully as Hannah, the worried US woman whose son is a firefighter back in New York.
Lynch is from Newbridge and is one of many that have come from outside the county to take on a main role. She is no stranger to the Portlaoise stage but one new face is Helena Begley who plays the role of Beverly, the first female captain of American Airlines. It is Begley’s first appearance with the Portlaoise Musical Society.
For Hilary Treacy, it’s a 19th year on stage, the Roscommon woman well established in The Heath and Portlaoise and takes a leading role again, this time as the good-humoured SPCA person Bonnie. A number of pets had to be cared for too during their almost week-long stay in Gander.
The culture of musical societies is that many of the actors are involved in multiple groups. A number of the Portlaoise-based actors also take to the stage for other performances around the country.
“I want to take a moment to celebrate out own community in here in Portlaoise and the remarkable spirit that defines it,” adds McNulty.
“Our cast this year is made up of talented people from across the midlands and indeed the four counties of Ireland – including Donegal, Mayo and Waterford.
“This is a true testament to the warm, welcoming, environment and sens of belonging that our members work so passionately to create. I see this spirit every day and it fills me with pride.”
A considerable local link on Tuesday night when we attend the show is the presence of special guests John, Maureen and Brendan Brophy, the well-known Portlaoise family, who were on the first flight that landed in Gander that day having been an hour away from New York when their plane was diverted.
The Brophys were 28 hours on the plane alone that day and in an era where instant communication wasn’t as easy, two other family members – Linda and Avril – were at home waiting to hear from their parents and brother.
As ever it makes for a very entertaining performance, one that is splattered with good humour, a mix of curiosity and tinged with sadness.
It ends wonderfully – and with a great on stage musical performance – that will have the audience on their feet every night.
It continues until Saturday night.
Our photographer Paul Dargan was on hand to capture a selection of great images which you can check out in full below.
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