Whats on in The Arts
Fame â€â€ the Musical hits Town Hall YOU saw them going for it on RTE: now you can see them on stage in Galway. Ben Morris and Jessica Cervi won the hearts of the nation with their performances in the Search for the Stars of Fame â€â€ the Musical. Now the pair can be seen in the cast of the biggest ever professional musical to be presented in Galway. Fame â€â€ The Musical runs at the Town Hall Theatre from Tuesday to Sunday November 2-7 with evening performances and matinee shows at the weekend. Ben Morris wowed viewers with his powerful performances during the 10-week RTE series and now plays the role of Nick Piazza in one of showbusiness's most enduring successes. The 23-year-old London-trained singer will be joined by fellow Dubliner Jessica Cervi. Jessica began performing at the age of ten and has appeared in the Olympia pantomimes for the past five years. She was thrilled, delighted and shocked to be named winner of the programme and to be given the role of Serena Katz in the production: the role is all about a performer trying to achieve her dreams ... something she is determined to do in her own career.[private] The two Irish newcomers are joined by soul legend Sheila Ferguson in the 26-strong cast. She takes on the role of the teacher Miss Sherman, a strict, old-fashioned and academic teacher who loves her students despite the fact that she comes down hard on them. Sheila is best known as the lead member of the most successful female group of the 1970s, The Three Degrees (hits include When Will I See You Again) but her career has taken her from the Harlem Apollo to the Royal Command Performance and from the top of the charts to the big screen. With sets and costumes from the West End, the production is choreographed by Gary Lloyd (X Factor Live, American Idol Live, Thriller Live), with musical direction by David Hayes and directed by Bryan Flynn. Fame â€â€ The Musical is the inspirational story of a diverse group of talented students studying at the New York School of the Performing Arts. The show explores issues of prejudice, identity, self-worth, literacy and perseverance. The highs and lows are too much for some, but the kids' determination to find greatness shines through. Booking is now open at the Town Hall Theatre on 091-569777 or on the web at www.tht.ie Claregalway King at St Mary's College WITH hectic rehearsals underway for the musical The King and I, 9 Arch Musical Society, Claregalway, are right on song with a number of exciting firsts. Firstly, it is the Galway premier of this beautiful musical classic by any local society. Second, it is the first time that Saint Mary's has opened its spectacular facilities to a local musical society. This is a very exciting venture for the college as they approach their centenary. Fr. Barry Hogg, College President, said 'It is with great delight that we welcome Claregalway's 9 Arch Musical Society as there has long been a strong bond between our two communities with so many of our past and present students coming from Claregalway. It also gives the College the opportunity to reach out into its local community.' The King and I took Broadway by storm when it opened in 1951. It won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 1952 and was immortalised by Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr in the 1956 film of the same name. So why not 'whistle a happy song' and let us be 'getting to know you' by buying a ticket for the show which runs from November 17 to 20, with a Saturday matinee. Booking for tickets is now open at 093-24215, Monday to Friday 9 to 6 and Saturday 9 to 1. Rosamunde Trio at the Aula THE Music for Galway 30th Anniversary Season continues with the Rosamunde Trio on Thursday November 4 at the Aula Maxima, NUI Galway. The will perform Beethoven's Piano Trio in G major, Op. 1 no. 2; Peter Fribbins: â€ËœSoftly, in the dusk...' (2007); Josef Suk: Elegy for Piano, Violin and Cello, Op. 23 and Brahms: Piano Trio No. 2 in C major, Op. 87. RoisÃÂn Elsafty sings THE Conradh na Gaeilge series of cultural evenings 'Airneán sa Chathair' had a very successful run last season, and starts again on Tuesday November 2 in ÃÂrus na nGael at 8.30. The Conradh is delighted to have one of Ireland's finest young singers, RoisÃÂn Elsafty, as their first guest performer. RoisÃÂn is from Barna and is currently living in Spiddal. Her debut album Má bhÃÂonn tú liom bàliom came out in 2009 to great acclaim in Ireland and abroad. Clúb ÃÂrus na nGael is an ideal venue to hear a traditional singer. It is small intimate venue with no microphone or background noise. As well as singing RoisÃÂn will speak about her songs and life as a singer. Conradh na Gaeilge are looking forward to a great night of song and conversation. Galway artists get Arts Council grants THREE Co Galway-based artists were awarded funding from the Arts Council last week. They are Aileen Armstrong for Literature in English, €6,000; Cecilia Danell, Visual Arts, €5,000 and Suzanne Mooney, Visual Arts, €11,545. A total of 59 individual artists from across the country received the grants as part of the second round of Arts Council Bursary awards for 2010. The Arts Council received a total of 275 applications and has offered funding totalling €459,371 in this round. Solo show at Norman Villa THE intriguing title of a solo show by Maeve Curtis at the Norman Villa Gallery, Lower Salthill is 'I wait towards you, pale with the effort of it'. The title comes from the German poet Rilke, and the opening on November 5 will be performed by the writer Mike McCormack.[/private]