Excellent performances in Carousel at Ballyclare High
Wednesday, 5 November 2008
Ciara Knowles (Mrs Mullin), Sarah Lavery (Louise), Judith Neill (Julie Pipperidge) and Amy Blair (Julie Jordan). SE4430
FOR the pupils and staff at Ballyclare High School, last week brought a welcome holiday. The week before, several pupils plus teachers were involved in the presentation of classic musical Carousel.
The performances from Tuesday - Friday all played to full houses and those involved should be congratulated for a wonderful show.
The musical was based on an amusement park in New England (U.S.A.) near the end of the 19th century and the life and death of Billy Bigelow who worked in the park. It was in two acts with several different scenes between 1873 and 1888.
The leading role of Billy Bigelow was in the very capable hands of Peter Moreland whose acting and singing were top class - he also played the key role of Jean Valjean last year in Les Miserables .
The fairly serious part of Mrs Mullin (owner of the amusements) was very ably played by Ciara Knowles while Judith Neill was very expressive in the role of Carrie Pipperidge.
Peter Glasgow was most comical as he played Enoch Snow and Amy Blair proved excellent as Julie Jordan.
Andrew Close proved to be a real character in the role of Jigger Craigan, while Peter Hanna was David Bascombe.
Joanne Williamson was outstanding as Nettie Fowler and Sarah Lavery (Louise), Kathryn Ward (Heavenly Friend), Susie Dalton (Starkeeper) and Jennifer Armstrong (Arminy) all played their parts really well.
Inn the supporting roles were Mark Sewell, Richard Butler, Thomas Ireland and Alex Long as well the chorus members of Townspeople and Seafaring Men.
The members of the orchestra led by Mr. Sam Moreland and Mrs Doherty produced really quality musical accompaniment to the youthful voices on stage. Mr. Moreland is Head of Music.
The producer of Carousel was Miss A. Clelland and she was assisted by Mrs M. Blair. Choreography was by Mrs Victoria Barkley.
The scenery was painted and designed by the school's Art Department and the make-up team was led by Mrs Thompson.
The challenge of taking on this Rodgers and Hammerstein's 'Carousel' by Ballyclare High School proved to be a success as was shown by the audience reaction at the end of each performance during the week.
There were several fine songs performed but the outstanding ones included - "If I Loved You" by Julie and Billy, "June is bustin' out all over" - Nettie and Carrie, "When the children are asleep" - Enoch and Carrie plus the whole company signing "You'll never walk alone" as the finale.
