Acis and Galatea Given a C&W Makeover

I caught the second night of  the latest Opera Theatre Co. production last night at the Watergate Theatre. The nymphs and shepherds of Handel's pastoral opera, Acis and Galatea  get a  country and western makeover and are transformed to line dancing, smirting young 'uns out for a night in their  local pub . A revolving set moves us from the cosy interior to the back door smoking area Mostly the conceit works well although occasionally the ancillary action distracts  from the singer  and I believe no one should have to sing while simultaneously managing a costume change.

The singing is  terrific throughout the ensemble. Eamonn  Mulhall fresh from his appearance at the National; Theatre Amadeus and Susanna Fairbairn are the ill fated lovers. Andrew Gavin impressed as Damon and Edward Grint was Polyphemus transformed to  a sinister bar room bully.

 If you are going , I suggest you sit near enough the orchestra so that you can watch Peter Whelan in action. Directing  from the harpsichord, it was a pleasure to watch this dynamic performer mould and shape his forces. Special mention to the wind who worked hard on oboe, piccolo and recorder to add distinctive pastoral colour to the score.



Handel' Acis and Galatea  is on a nationwide tour. It arrives in Waterford's Theatre Royal  next Monday . I see that the Dun Laoghaire date is sold out. If you have the time I suggest a mini break in the South East where you can enjoy your own pastoral bliss on the newly opened Waterford Greenway. Walk or cycle the rural coastal pathway which runs between the medieval port city and Dungarvan. The opening took place 50 years to the day of the final train journey along the route There was a wonderful atmosphere at the official opening. The Barrack Street Concert Band serenaded

passers by at the starting point in Carriganore . The sun split the stones and the sense of local pride was palpable. We are truly blessed to have such outstanding natural beauty on our doorstep and bravo to county manager, Michael Walsh and everyone who had the vision to see this project through.

Jennifer O Connell's piece on Waterford Grehttp://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/travel/ireland/waterford-s-46km-greenway-opens-for-cyclists-and-walkers-1.3022201
enway here



Tour dates for Acis and Galatea here http://www.opera.ie/whats-on/acis-galatea-1

 

Weekend Round Up

The Bells The Bells 

As majestic bells of bolts struck shadows in the sounds,

Seeming to be the chimes of freedom flashing.^[9] 

Is there any more cheerful sound than the plangent peal of church bells ringing out on the quiet of a Sunday morning. I was at Christchurch Cathedral, Waterford this morning where many gathered for the Sunday morning service. Dean Maria Jansson welcomed former president Mary McAleese where spoke eloquently on the theme of immigration. After the service, all gathered outside to hear the newly restored bells ting out after a silence of almost two years. Patsy McGarry's piece here
http://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/religion-and-beliefs/waterford-church-bells-to-ring-out-against-xenophobia-1.2966781
The Cathedral Choir looked splendid in their red and white cassocks. Chiming perfectly with the sentiment of the occasion, the opening hymn was All People That on Earth Do Dwell. I loved the Henry Purcell anthem, Rejoice in the Lord Always and organist Eric Sweeney's rendition of a Carrillion by Louis Vierne. The Gospel Choir closed the programme with Bob Dylan's, Chimes of Freedom

When the Parade Passes By

 

I am not big devotee of parades and the notion of us all rushing out to march up and down during a month when our weather is at its most capricious strikes me as a form  of national folly. My heart goes out to the bands that have flown in from sunnier climes to march through our grey windswept streets. However, The best parade is your local one and  I thoroughly enjoyed Tramore's effort  this year. All local human life was here  marching and  perambulating through the streets of the seaside town. Pipers, dancing children, Roses in high heels and tractors-lots of tractors, little and large trundled through. It all took about twenty minutes which is just long enough to be standing around on a cold March afternoon. Watch the Tramore Parade here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNBJ2GNW52A

Reprise of Jim Nolan play: Good to meet  Garrett Keogh in Waterford today. The actor is in town for the performance of Jim Nolan's play at Garter Lane tomorrow (Monday) before the team embark on a nationwide tour. My report from the premiere last March here. Ihttp://cathydesmond.blogspot.ie/2016/03/johnny-i-hardly-you-at-garter-lane.html