Léirmheas ionraic le Ciarán Ó Maoilmhichil, Bliain 3; Rang Béarla/An honest review by Ciarán Ó Maoilmhíchil, Bliain 3, from English class
Coláiste Ghlor na Mara’s Transition year students have a history of putting on an annual musical unlike any other in the country. This year’s ceoldráma class did not fall short in their depiction of “Disco Inferno”, with many parents and students articulating that it was “the best musical in the school’s eleven-year history”.
I must say, heading into the ceoldráma, I had my doubts. How were Director Múinteoir Cian, Music Director Grace de Búrca and Producer Grace Ní Mhuirithe going to translate some of the seventies’ greatest, most infectious classics to Irish and still capture the spark, rhythm and irresistible energy that made them timeless in the first place? However, it soon became clear that I had nothing to worry about.
After several months of rehearsals, there was little to fault the performance on.
The story follows a young and impressionable wannabe “superstar”, Jack, played by Ultan Ó Síordáin, who is jealous of the success of the egotistical, malevolent singer in the “Disco Inferno”, Heathcliffe (played by Cian Mac Gib). Jack becomes involved in a ploy with Lady Marmalade (played by Linda Fuhrmann) who promises him fame like everything he has ever wished for… but will it come at the expense of his long-time girlfriend, Jane (played by Evie Knopfler)?
What sets CGNM’s performance aside from that of the 350 other secondary school musicals this year is their sheer standard of excellence. From the innovative and impressive transformation of the sports hall (courtesy of Múinteoirí Seosamh, Caroline and Maja, and their classes), to the breathtaking, angelic voices of Ultan, Evie and others, to the sensational costumes by Múinteoir Róisín, and the electrifying choreography that elevated every lyric… the show never ceased to amaze far and wide.
One thing I particularly took with me from this year’s performance was the way the cast were able to engage all five hundred audience members in the crowd, during every show. Whether you were in the front row, or at the very back row of the bleachers – the energy was not only thrilling but it was contagious and had everyone on their feet more than once.
What also stood out to me were the comedic aspects of the show, which undoubtedly created a memorable experience for the thousands who attended over the course of a week. From discussions on Tom and Maggie’s… developing love life, to Jack’s rendition of a… “unique” song on radio, to Tom’s unexpected… return from the dead – Disco Inferno left the audience in hysterics on numerous occasions.
One of the production’s greatest strengths was its clear and effective narration. Musicals, especially ones performed in Irish, can sometimes be difficult to follow for audiences who may be less familiar with the language, but this performance had no such issue at all. The storytelling remained accessible throughout, allowing the audience to fully engage with and understand the plot despite any potential language barriers at times.
As the show danced away into the late hours of the night, it’s safe to say that the audience was simply in awe of the breathtaking performance. There has only been one question on the minds of next years ceoldráma class since — how will we top this year’s production?
I think I speak for everyone when I say that this year's ceoldráma is, without question, a five-star triumph.