Musical Society show Evita at An Grianán

Letterkenny Musical Society will present Evita at An Grianán Theatre from Tuesday, March 26 until Saturday 30, nightly at 8pm.
Giles Murray and Kieran Conner with Eva Peron and the Inishowen gang including Maria Rushe , Brian Gillespie, Mark Bradley, Lorraine Porter, Gary Mc Hugh,  Eoin Callaghan,  Giles Murray, Stephanie Quigley and Kieran Connor.Giles Murray and Kieran Conner with Eva Peron and the Inishowen gang including Maria Rushe , Brian Gillespie, Mark Bradley, Lorraine Porter, Gary Mc Hugh,  Eoin Callaghan,  Giles Murray, Stephanie Quigley and Kieran Connor.
Giles Murray and Kieran Conner with Eva Peron and the Inishowen gang including Maria Rushe , Brian Gillespie, Mark Bradley, Lorraine Porter, Gary Mc Hugh, Eoin Callaghan, Giles Murray, Stephanie Quigley and Kieran Connor.

This is the first time that the famous Andrew Lloyd Webber masterpiece has been performed by an amateur society in the North West.

Rehearsing since September, the cast of approximately 60 and the production team, lead by Noel O’Donnell, are in their final rehearsals now and are looking forward to getting onstage. It is a beautiful show, emotional and vibrant, full of feeling and fun.

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The society is made up of cast and crew from all over Donegal and Derry. This year, all three of the leading men are from Derry and Newtowcnunningham, with the show also being Directed by a Newtown woman.

Eoin Callaghan as Magaldi.Eoin Callaghan as Magaldi.
Eoin Callaghan as Magaldi.

Caitriona Solan from Dungloe is playing the leading role of Eva Peron. She is a music teacher and well known vocalist, and this is her first major role in a musical. She’s an incredibly talented lady with the voice of an angel, and we are so excited for audiences to see her portrayal of Eva.

She is supported by three men, all of them from this side of the Swilly.

Kieran Connor is from Derry and plays Che, “the Everyman” omnipresent, acting as both the Narrator and the conscience of Evita. A physically and vocally demanding role, Che is played to perfection by Kieran. He is on stage for most of the show and has risen to one of the most challenging roles in musical theatre with grace, professionalism and ease. He first appeared with LMS as Jesus in Jesus Christ, Superstar in 2015. His performance is not to be missed and deserving of any West End stage.

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Giles Murray from Newtowncunningham has been a solid member of the LMS since 2008, playing many leading roles. This year, he is Juan Peron, husband to Eva and an intricate part. When an actor has to show both a loving husband and tyrannical politician, only the most talented man can be cast. Giles has talent in bucket-loads and also sings one of the most beautiful songs in the show.

Stephanie Quigley.Stephanie Quigley.
Stephanie Quigley.

Eoin Callagan is also from Newtown. Eoin is one of the most talented young people we have ever worked with. He first stepped on stage with LMS in 2012 in Oliver and we have been so proud to watch him develop and grow into the seasoned and professional performer he is now. Destined for a much larger stage, we are honoured to have him in Evita, where his performance of Magaldi is going to lift the roof off the theatre.

Musical Director for the show is Mark Bradley, a music teacher at Lumen Christi College in Derry. Mark has the patience of a saint and this year, is creating magic with our cast and the intricate, challenging score of Evita.

Maria Rushe (nee Gillespie) is also from Newtowncunningham has been a member of LMS since 2004. She has choreographed many of their shows, before assisting and co-directing over the past few years. This year, she takes the role of Director and is incredibly excited to bring her vision of the strong and formidable Eva Peron to a stage in the North West for the first time.

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Lorraine Porter is another familiar face in Inishowen, having worked as practice Nurse in Newtowncunningham for more than 25 years. She is helping to bring Evita to life, both on stage and as a vital part of the LMS committee.

Kieran Connor as Che.Kieran Connor as Che.
Kieran Connor as Che.

Stephanie Quigley is from Moville and this is her debut with LMS. Stephanie is a natural on stage and possibly has THE most beautiful alto voice ever heard. She has been such a valuable asset to the society and there are many leading roles in her future.

Brian Gillespie is another Newtowncunningham man, better known to many as The Shower Man. Brian has been on stage with LMS many times, and returns this year as one of Peron’s Officers.

Gary Mc Hugh has recently moved to Derry having spent many years abroad working in theatre. A talented dancer, he is enjoying his first show with LMS. Gary works as manager in Entrada and Seomra restaurants in Derry.

Tickets are still available on angrianan.com or on 0749120777.

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