St Finian’s TYs in tune as they finish rehearsals for Sound of Music

The 100-plus St Finian’s College transition year students have completed rehearsals and are looking forward to presenting ‘The Sound of Music’ – the school’s seventh TY musical – this week.

The well-known story is set in 1938 Austria, and follows cheery nun-in-training Maria (played by Anna Reilly) as she steps out into the world as first-time governess to the seven lively children of retired naval captain Georg von Trapp (Eoghan Beehan), whose heart has been hardened by the loss of his wife.

With a score by the legendary theatre writing team Rodgers and Hammerstein, this classic, beloved, show will bless the ears and tug on the heartstrings of audiences from Wednesday to Friday.

The Sound of Music is based on the true story of the von Trapp Family Singers, a vocal performance group from Austria who emigrated to America shortly after the Anschluss (the annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany).

The film of the musical recently celebrated its 60th anniversary and holds messages still relevant today, so it seemed appropriate for this year’s production.

One hundred and four students and teachers have been involved in the production of the show over several months, and they are looking forward to presenting the results of their hard work this week (Wednesday March 11 to Friday March 13).

Preparations began with keenly contested auditions at the start of the school year, and since that process was completed, the commitment from the main cast was clear as they practised dialogue, singing and choreography. As the cast expanded, dozens of students learned to sing, dance and act in front of a crowd, many for the first time.

St Finian’s are particularly proud of is the larger ensemble. The dancers have been working closely with dance captains Haley Mulvany and Fiadh McColgan, who oversaw all of the choreography for this show; and the vocal ensemble, supervised and led by musical director Daniel Connell, have been rehearsing relentlessly to ensure a high standard performance.

Students in the art department, led by Ms Audrey Brown, have worked hard in painting the set and the many backdrops required. The show has a fantastic set, and everyone is proud of the work the art department have done.

The skilled student team at the costume department are led by Ms Rachel Finnerty and Breege Taylor, and they have spent hours creating wardrobe items including the children’s play clothes and the nuns’ habits.

Everyone in TY has been working hard since September to make The Sound of Music a success and it is shaping up to be a memorable show.

Tickets (€15) are selling fast, and already there is limited number available for opening night; contact the school to secure yours, 044 934 8672.

The St Finian’s TYs look forward to seeing you there between Wednesday March 11 and Friday March 13.